THE FATE OF POTASSIUM LIBERATED FROM MUSCLES DURING ACTIVITY

Abstract

Analyses of fore leg muscles of cats for K and H2O before and after stimulation of the muscles of the hind legs showed no significant increase in K except when other available depots for K were reduced by evisceration. Attempts were made to locate the mobile K in the liver by analyzing the liver before and after stimulation of the muscles of the hind legs. Analyses were also made before and after inj. of KC1 and in control expts. without stimulation or inj. The difficulties in interpretation were discussed. The K increased in control expts. but this could be quantitatively explained by a loss of chloride space and a loss of glycogen. The results indicated also that 15% of the injected K and 31% of the K liberated from the stimulated muscles was taken up by the liver which accounts for only about 3% of the body water. The results were consistent with the theory that the K entered the liver in disproportionate amts. and in the form of an isotonic soln. There was suggestive evidence therefore for a K cycle from the stimulated muscles to the liver during activity and back again in recovery. During muscular activity the liver lost NaCl and water while the muscles gained in the same materials. Most of the gain of water observed in the muscles during stimulation came from the skin.