Aorta Electrolytes of Hypotensive Potassium-Deficient Rats

Abstract

The hypotension of potassium-deficiency is associated with a decrease in aorta potassium concentration, the sodium content remaining unchanged, resulting in a high sodium/potassium ratio. Loss of arterial tone may result and thus contribute to the lowering of blood pressure. Cortisone administration to such rats does not alter the low aorta potassium content but appreciably reduces the sodium concentration. The return to a more normal sodium/potassium ratio in the aorta following cortisone may restore the arterial tone and thus explain the blood pressure rise to normal levels.