VOLUME OF DISTRIBUTION OF POTASSIUM AND ITS ALTERATION BY SYMPATHOLYTIC AND ANTIHISTAMINIC DRUGS

Abstract

A variety of sympatholytic and anti-histaminic agents were investigated with regard to their influence on the toxicity of injected K and its distribution within the body. None of them significantly altered the normal resting level of serum K nor influenced the level at which the various characteristic ecg. signs of K intoxication and death took place. In control dogs the avg. volume of distribution detd. after 60, 90, and 120 min. of equilibration was 103% of the body wt. Animals treated with Dibenamine showed comparable values averaging 132%. These observations indicate that in the normal animal added K must be stored in some body compartments in concns. higher than in plasma and that this, process is facilitated by Dibenamine. There is no evidence that this represents a result of the sympatholytic effect of Dibenamine.