THE EFFECT OF BLOOD FLOW ON POTASSIUM LIBERATION FROM MUSCLE

Abstract

The venous return from the cat''s leg in the popliteal vein was collected by cannula. The K content, rate of flow and in some cases the pH and hematocrit were measured for comparisons with arterial blood. A decrease in flow caused by pressure on the arterial supply led to an increase in the venous plasma K. Even after complete stasis, however, the venous K did not exceed the arterial K by more than 3 mg. K per 100 gm. plasma. In some cats in which the initial flow was presumably inadequate the muscles were liberating K to the blood before the flow was reduced and no further loss of K could then be produced by circulatory arrest. pH measurements indicate that K entered the blood either in exchange for Na or with some anion but not as KOH.