Effect of Epinephrine on Potassium Balance in the Perfused Hind Limbs of the Frog

Abstract

Intravenous injection of epinephrine produces an immediate transitory rise in the level of plasma potassium.1, 2, 3 The duration and magnitude of this effect differs in different animal species and a subsequent fall in [K]s to below normal is equally marked and less transitory, especially in man.4 The initial rise in [K] s seems to originate in the liver2 but it appeared possible that the skeletal muscle might be involved in the slower and more sustained decline.Perfusion preparations of the isolated hind limbs of the doublepithed frog were made. The perfusion fluid was a 3% gum acacia solution with the salt content and pH adjusted to correspond with normal frog Ringer's solution except for K which was somewhat high (5.18 to 6.03 m.eq./l). A perfusion pump supplied pulsating pressure to the inflow cannula entering the terminal aorta. The out-flow was collected from cannulae in the renal portal veins, all other egress being prevented by ligatures. [K] was determined5 in arterial and venous samples collecte...