Abstract

The importance of reduced plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) in renal potassium (K) conservation is unclear. Thus we examined the effect of aldosterone on incipient, developing, and established renal K conservation. Adrenalectomized (ADX) dexamethasone-replaced rats were continuously treated with high, normal, or low dosages of aldosterone during 4 days of dietary K restriction and were compared with rats without aldosterone replacement. High and normal aldosterone replacement reduced the fall in urinary K excretion and led to significantly lower plasma [K], skeletal muscle tissue K content, renal tissue K content, and greater negative cumulative balance of K compared with low aldosterone replacement. Likewise, plasma [K] and skeletal muscle tissue K content were significantly less in intact rats after 3 days of K deprivation and chronic treatment with aldosterone. Acute aldosterone treatment significantly increased urinary K excretion by isolated perfused kidneys. We conclude that incipient, developing, and established renal K conservation is not independent of mineralocorticoid activity and that the rapid fall in PAC during K depletion is necessary for maximal renal K conservation.

View details for Web of Science ID A1996UT48900012

View details for PubMedID 8764185