ACUTE METABOLIC ALKALOSIS: ITS EFFECT ON POTASSIUM AND ACID EXCRETION 1

Abstract

Acute metabolic alkalosis was induced in male rats on an electrolyte-free intake by peritoneal dialysis. The effect of the alkalosis and of various administered electrolytes on urine excretion of cation and on muscle and serum composition was observed. In all instances of alkalosis, urinary K excretion greatly increased, sufficient to lead to a lowering of muscle K. The only observed effect of the various electrolyte loads given was the effect of Na to increase K excretion and result in greater muscle deficit. This occurred using sodium acid phosphate as well as sodium bicarbonate. It was concluded that alkalosis directly resulted in the tubular secretion of K which proceeded until muscle, deficits occurred. The effect of alkalosis on acid excretion was obscured by the effect of administered electrolytes such that increases and decreases in both ammonia and titratable acid excretion were noted. It appeared that alkalosis did not have any limiting effect on acid excretion if a concomitant stimulus to effect its increase existed.