Effect of quinidine, ouabain, and corticosteroids on muscle sodium, potassium, and water content.

Abstract

SummaryA single injection of ouabain depressed rat muscle water and potassium, and increased its sodium contents. Quinidine acted reciprocally but only the depression of intracellular sodium was statistically significant. Muscle analyses after 3 to 5 daily injections revealed no significant changes from control values. Single injections of cortisone also depressed intracellular sodium, but daily injections for 3 to 5 days were associated with loss of water and potassium from the muscle with a return to normal sodium concentration. These animals when treated for 3 to 5 days gained less weight than did untreated animals. Triamcinolone in single or multiple injections produced marked depressions of muscle water, sodium and potassium. Animals treated with this agent for more than 2 days lost weight.