Influence of Lysine and NH4Cl Feeding on the Electrolytes of Normal and K-Deficient Rats

Abstract

Control and K-deficient diets supplemented with lysine HCl and NH₄Cl have been fed to rats for 2 or 3 weeks and the tissue and urine electrolytes studied. Lysine when fed in the control diet accumulates in muscle without depletion of muscle K. The lysine accumulation of dietary K depletion is accentuated by lysine feeding and diminished by NH₄Cl feeding. Both supplements to the K deficient diet increase urinary K loss. It is concluded that lysine does not compete with K either for entrance into the muscle cell or at the renal level.