BLOOD POTASSIUM IN TETANY AND ASPHYXIA OF DOGS

Abstract

In 14 expts., tetany produced by lowering the Ca ion or raising the K ion conc. of the cerebrospinal fluid in dogs caused an elevation of the plasma K level of from 18 to 40%. Anoxia produced by clamping the trachea, rebreathing through a long tube, or intraven. inj. of cyanide in 18 expts. always raised the plasma K level about 25 to 30%. This increased blood K cannot be accounted for on the basis of a loss of blood fluid or a shift of K from erythrocytes to plasma. The increased K probably mobilizes from extravascular sources following the above procedures. An increased plasma K level has been associated with increased C.N.S. irritability and augmented neuromuscular activity.