Increase In Potassium Concentration Research Articles

The role of extracellular potassium dynamics in the different stages of ictal bursting and spreading depression: A computational study

Experimental evidences point out the participation of nonsynaptic mechanisms (e.g., fluctuations in extracellular ions) in epileptiform bursting and spreading depression (SD). During these abnormal oscillatory patterns, it is observed an increase of extracellular potassium concentration [K+]o and a decrease of extracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]o which raises the neuronal excitability. However, whether the high [K+]o triggers and propagates these abnormal neuronal activities or plays a secondary role into this process is unclear. To better understand the influence of extracellular potassium dynamics in these oscillatory patterns, the experimental conditions of high [K+]o and zero [Ca2+]o were replicated in an extended Golomb model where we added important regulatory mechanisms of ion concentration as Na+–K+ pump, ion diffusion and glial buffering. Within these conditions, simulations of the cell model exhibit seizure-like discharges (ictal bursting). The SD was elicited by the interruption of the Na+−K+ pump activity, mimicking the effect of cellular hypoxia (an experimental protocol to elicit SD, the hypoxia-induced SD). We used the bifurcation theory and the fast–slow method to analyze the interference of K+ dynamics in the cellular excitability. This analysis indicates that the system loses its stability at a high [K+]o, transiting to an elevated state of neuronal excitability. Effects of high [K+]o are observed in different stages of ictal bursting and SD. In the initial stage, the increase of [K+]o creates favorable conditions to trigger both oscillatory patterns. During the neuronal activity, a continuous growth of [K+]o by outward K+ flow depresses K+ currents in a positive feedback way. At the last stage, due to the depression of K+ currents, the Na+–K+ pump is the main mechanism in the end of neuronal activity. Thus, this work suggests that [K+]o dynamics may play a fundamental role in these abnormal oscillatory patterns.

Impaired astrocytic gap junction coupling and potassium buffering in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex

Abnormalities in astrocytes occur in the brains of patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological dysfunction in this disease. Here, we report that knock-out mice with Tsc1 gene inactivation in glia ( Tsc1 GFAPCKO mice) exhibit decreased expression of the astrocytic connexin protein, Cx43, and an associated impairment in gap junction coupling between astrocytes. Correspondingly, hippocampal slices from Tsc1 GFAPCKO mice have increased extracellular potassium concentration in response to stimulation. This impaired potassium buffering can be attributed to abnormal gap junction coupling, as a gap junction inhibitor elicits an additional increase in potassium concentration in control, but not Tsc1 GFAPCKO slices. Furthermore, treatment with a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor reverses the deficient Cx43 expression and impaired potassium buffering. These findings suggest that Tsc1 inactivation in astrocytes causes defects in astrocytic gap junction coupling and potassium clearance, which may contribute to epilepsy in Tsc1 GFAPCKO mice.

Efeitos de águas residuárias de café no crescimento vegetativo de cafeeiros em seu primeiro ano

Ao utilizar o solo como forma de tratamento e de disposição final de águas residuárias de café (ARC) e essa como fonte de água e de nutrientes para os cafeeiros, solucionam-se problemas ambientais e diminuem-se os custos de produção para o cafeicultor. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes doses de potássio aplicadas via ARC no crescimento vegetativo de cafeeiros (Coffea arabica L.), Catuaí' e Catucaí', em seu primeiro ano, bem como o incremento de potássio e a condutividade elétrica na solução do solo. O estudo foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação do Departamento de Engenharia, na Universidade Federal de Lavras, no município de Lavras - MG. Os tratamentos foram definidos por diferentes doses de potássio (K+): 30 mg L-1; 65 mg L-1; 100 mg L-1; 135 mg L-1, aplicadas via ARC, e pela testemunha (água de irrigação e adubação convencional). ARC com concentrações até 135 mg L-1 de potássio contribui para o crescimento vegetativo do cafeeiro, especificamente, altura de planta e diâmetro do ramo ortotrópico, mostrando-se igualmente, ou melhor, que a água de irrigação e potássio por meio da adubação convencional. Além disso, o aumento na concentração de potássio do solo em todos os tratamentos não foi suficiente para aumentar a condutividade elétrica em níveis que possam afetar o crescimento da planta, no período avaliado.

Genotypic response to re-growth of defoliated sugar beets after re-watering in a water-limited environment: effects on yield and quality

Defoliation produced by abiotic factors and the subsequent re-growth can reduce sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) sucrose content and final sugar yield. Field experiments were conducted during 2003 and 2004 growing seasons in the farm of Hellenic Sugar Industry SA, Larissa factory, central Greece. Three sugar beet cultivars (Rival, Europa and Corsica) were ordinary irrigated till the beginning of July and then left without irrigation for a month. Three defoliation levels (control-C, moderate-MD and severe-SD) were performed at early August and irrigation was simultaneously started to promote re-growth. Four samplings were conducted (before defoliation, 15, 30 and 40 days after defoliation) to determine the changes in physiological and productive traits. Yields were lower in 2003 compared to 2004 because sugar beets were grown under more stressful conditions due to the delayed sowing, the higher temperatures and the lower rainfall. Both defoliation level and cultivar had significant effects on physiological and productive traits after re-growth only in 2003. The late-season cultivar, Corsica, showed better LAI maintenance compared to Europa and Corsica and had the greatest performance after re-growth in regard to fresh root weight and sugar yield. Also, this cultivar showed the least decrease of sucrose percentage in fresh root weight and juice purity mainly due to the stable potassium (K) concentration and limited increase of sodium (Na) accumulation in roots. Corsica consumed the least root α-amino N for its re-growth. Quantitative and qualitative traits were negatively affected only by the SD treatment. Plants suffered from MD treatment gradually recovered during growing season. This study demonstrates that under Mediterranean conditions, the adverse effects of re-growth on sugar beet yield and quality depend on the growing conditions and they can be restricted by the selection of an appropriate cultivar.

Why does the Namib Desert tenebrionid Onymacris unguicularis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) fog-bask?

Dehydration of Onymacris unguicularis (Haag) for 10 days at 27°C resulted in a weight loss of 14.9%, and a 37% decrease in haemolymph volume. Although there was an overall decrease in the lipid content during this period, metabolic water production was insufficient to maintain total body water (TBW). Rehydration resulted in increases in body weight (6.2% of initial weight), TBW (to normality), and haemolymph volume (sub-normal at the end of rehydration). Despite an increase of 44.0 mg in the wet weight of O. unguicularis after drinking for 1h, there was little change in the water content at this time, although the total lipid content increased significantly. Increases in haemolymph osmolality, sodium, potassium, chloride, amino acid and total sugar concentrations during dehydration were subject to osmoregulatory control. No evidence of an active amino acid-soluble protein interchange was noted during dehydration or rehydration. Haemolymph trehalose levels were significantly increased at the end of rehydration (relative to immediate pre-rehydration values), indicating de novo sugar synthesis at this time. Osmotic and ionic regulation was evident during rehydration, but control of OP during haemolymph-dilution is poor and accomplished largely by the addition to the haemolymph of free amino acids and solute(s) not measured in this study. There was little mobilization of sodium and chloride ions from storage sites at this time. The lesser osmoregulatory ability of Onymacris unguicularis and perhaps earlier susceptibility to osmotic stress, a significantly high normal blood glycerol level (relative to other diurnal adesmiine tenebrionids), and a water storage mechanism associated with synthesis of fat, probably all contribute to the development of fog-basking behaviour in this species. Water gain in O. unguicularis during periods of relative drought is probably largely accomplished by a greater food consumption.

Characterization of 14C-acetate uptake in cultured rat astrocytes

To investigate the regulation mechanism of 14C-acetate uptake in astrocytes, uptake experiments with cultured rat astrocytes were performed. In this study, we used a relatively low concentration (0.0185 mM) of 14C-acetate. The uptake was dependent on pH and acetate concentration, and saturated by 10 mM acetate. Furthermore, the selective inhibition by p-(chloromercuri) benzenesulfonic acid (pCMBS) but not by α-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate (CHC) showed that the monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT-1)-mediated transport system is essentially important in cultured rat astrocytes. A significant reduction (more than 30%) in 14C-acetate uptake was observed with 0.5 mM fluorocitrate treatment, which indicated 14C-acetate uptake in this study might reflect not only the transport process, but also the metabolic process. Glutamate significantly increased 14C-acetate uptake. An increase in extracellular potassium concentration had no effect on 14C-acetate uptake. The Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 caused a 40% reduction, and ouabain (inhibitor of Na +-K +-ATPase) and monensin (Na + ionophore) significantly decreased 14C-acetate uptake by astrocytes. The combined use of ouabain and monensin caused significantly greater decreases than the addition of either chemical alone. These results suggest that glutamate stimulation and changes in Ca 2+ and Na + concentrations might have important roles in regulation of 14C-acetate uptake in cultured rat astrocytes.

Electron probe microanalysis of the elemental (K, P) content in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocyte of pregnant rat after an acute hypoxia incident

The cytoplasmic concentrations of elements (K, P) in the cytoplasm of rat (Wistar) cardiomyocytes have been determined by electron probe microanalysis. The intracellular content of potassium and phosphorus was determined in early organogenesis and in unfertilized animals. A decrease in the cytoplasmic concentration of phosphorus and an increase in potassium concentration were shown in pregnant animals. Acute hypobaric hypoxia was shown to change the cytoplasmic contents of both elements. The data obtained are discussed in terms of activation of the ion transport system aimed at compensation for cell acidosis and lactosis induced by development of hypoxic deenergization in pregnant animals.

Repolarization of the rabbit cardiac ventricles after an increase of potassium concentration in the plasma

The sequence of ventricular epicardium repolarization in rabbits with hypokalemia is directed from the apex of the heart to its base in accordance with distribution of local repolarization intervals. Under conditions of hyperkalemia, the propagation of excitation wave is inhibited without changes in its sequence; while the duration of repolarization decrease mainly in zones where it was initially long (the base of the right ventricle), as a result of which the distribution of local repolarization intervals becomes more uniform and a relationship between the repolarization and activation sequences is formed.

In vitro evaluation of flexible pH and potassium ion-sensitive organic field effect transistor sensors

Acute myocardial ischemia is a state of trauma of the heart muscle caused by occlusion of oxygenated blood supply. It is accompanied by an increase in potassium and hydrogen ion concentrations in the heart muscles. A flexible substrate based ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) has been designed to measure the concentration of potassium and hydrogen ions with high specificity. Double exponential smoothing technique was used to calculate background noise and explain the dependence of drain current on reference voltage and ion concentration in saturation mode of the ISFET.

Effect of acute hypoxia on the concentrations of potassium and phosphorus in the cardiomyocyte of a pregnant animal during early organogenesis

The concentrations of potassium and phosphorus in the cardiomyocyte cytoplasm of the Wistar rat were measured by means of electron probe microanalysis. Pregnancy was accompanied by a decrease in cytoplasmic phosphorus concentration and an increase in cytoplasmic potassium concentration. Acute hypoxia modified the concentrations of these elements in the cytoplasm.

A Comparison of the Aldosterone‐blocking Agents Eplerenone and Spironolactone

Improved understanding of the adverse pharmacological properties of aldosterone has prompted investigation of the clinical benefits of blocking aldosterone at the receptor level. This article reviews the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and tolerability of the two available blocking agents, spironolactone and eplerenone. A Medline search identified clinical studies assessing spironolactone and eplerenone. Priority was given to large, well-controlled, clinical trials and comparative studies. Pharmacological differences between spironolactone and eplerenone include lower affinity of eplerenone for progesterone, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors; more consistently demonstrated nongenomic properties for eplerenone; and the presence of long-acting metabolites for spironolactone. Both agents effectively treat hypertension and heart failure but comparisons are complicated by the deficiency of head-to-head trials and differences between patient populations. There are differences in the tolerability profiles; spironolactone is associated with dose-dependent sexual side effects. Both agents produce dose-dependent increases in potassium concentrations, although the effect with spironolactone appears to be greater when both agents are administered at recommended doses. Choice of a specific agent should be based on individual patient issues, such as the nature of heart failure and patient concerns about adverse events.

Effect of Potassium Addition on Coprecipitated Iron Catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Using Bio-oil-syngas

The effects of potassium addition and the potassium content on the activity and selectivity of coprecipitated iron catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) were studied in a fixed bed reactor at 1.5 MPa, 300C, and contact time (W/F) of 12.5 gcath/mol using the model bio-oil-syngas of H2/CO/CO2/N2 (62/8/25/5, vol%). It was found that potassium addition increases the catalyst activity for FTS and the reverse water gas shift reaction. Moreover, potassium increases the average molecular weight (chain length) of the hydrocarbon products. With the increase of potassium content, it was found that CH4 selectivity decreases and the selectivity of liquid phase products (C5+) increases. The characteristics of FTS catalysts with different potassium content were also investigated by various characterization measurements including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area. Based on experimental results, 100Fe/6Cu/16Al/6K (weight ratio) was selected as the optimal catalyst for FTS from bio-oil-syngas. The results indicate that the 100Fe/6Cu/16Al/6K catalyst is one of the most promising candidates to directly synthesize liquid bio-fuel using bio-oil-syngas.

Nutrient dynamics as indicators of karst processes: Comparison of the Chalk aquifer (Normandy, France) and the Edwards aquifer (Texas, U.S.A.)

Karst aquifers display a range of geologic and geomorphic characteristics in a wide range of climatic and land-use settings; identification of transport dynamics representative of karst aquifers in general could help advance our understanding of these complex systems. To this end, nutrient, turbidity, and major ion dynamics in response to storms were compared at multiple sites in two karst aquifers with contrasting characteristics and settings: the Chalk aquifer (Eure Department, Normandy, France) and the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer (Texas, U.S.A.). The Chalk aquifer is typified by high matrix porosity, thick surficial deposits (up to 30 m thick), and agricultural land use; the Barton Springs segment is typified by low matrix porosity, outcropping limestone, and urban land use. Following one to three storms, from 5 to 16 samples from springs and wells were analyzed for major ions, and specific conductance and turbidity were monitored continuously. Comparison of the chemographs indicated some generalized responses, including an increase in turbidity and potassium concentrations and a decrease in major ion and nitrate concentrations with infiltrating storm runoff. Factor analysis of major ions and turbidity revealed strikingly similar behavior of the chemical variables for the two aquifers: The first two factors, explaining more than 75% of the variability, illustrate that dynamics of most major ions (including nitrate) are opposed to those of turbidity and of potassium. The results demonstrate that potassium and nitrate are effective tracers of infiltrating storm runoff and resident ground water, respectively, and the similar results for these two highly contrasting aquifers suggest that the dynamics identified might be applicable to karst systems in general.

Acute intrinsic renal failure in cats: 32 cases (1997–2004)

To determine patient demographics, clinicopathologic findings, and outcome associated with naturally acquired acute intrinsic renal failure (ARF) in cats. Retrospective case series. 32 cats with ARF. Cats were considered to have ARF if they had acute onset of clinical signs (< 7 days), serum creatinine concentration > 2.5 mg/dL (reference range, 0.8 to 2.3 mg/dL) and BUN > 35 mg/dL (reference range, 15 to 34 mg/dL) in conjunction with urine specific gravity < 1.025 or with anuria or increasing serum creatinine concentration despite fluid therapy and normal hydration status, and no signs of chronic renal disease. Cases were excluded if cats had renal calculi or renal neoplasia. Causes of ARF included nephrotoxins (n = 18 cats), ischemia (4), and other causes (10). Eighteen cats were oliguric. For each unit (mEq/L) increase in initial potassium concentration, there was a 57% decrease in chance of survival. Low serum albumin or bicarbonate concentration at initial diagnosis was a negative prognostic indicator for survival. Initial concentrations of BUN, serum creatinine, and other variables were not prognostic. Seventeen (53%) cats survived, of which 8 cats had resolution of azotemia and 9 cats were discharged from the hospital with persistent azotemia. Results suggested that survival rates of cats with ARF were similar to survival rates in dogs and that residual renal damage persisted in approximately half of cats surviving the initial hospitalization.

ACE-inhibitor or AT2-antagonist therapy of renal transplant recipients is associated with an increase in serum potassium concentrations

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB) are frequently prescribed to renal transplant recipients with a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of ACEI/ARB use and serum potassium levels in renal graft recipients. We conducted an open cohort study of 2041 first renal allograft recipients, transplanted at the Medical University of Vienna between 1990 and 2003. Serum potassium levels were compared over an up to 10 years of observation period between subjects with versus without ACEI/ARB therapy using a mixed effects general linear model. The analysis was adjusted for several covariables known to influence serum potassium such as the use of diuretics, beta blockers, calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) based immunosuppression, estimated GFR, time since renal transplantation, diabetes, years on dialysis and recipient age. The overall adjusted estimated serum potassium difference between recipients with versus without ACEI/ARB therapy was 0.08 mmol/l (P < 0.001). The use of diuretics was associated with a 0.11 mmol/l (P < 0.001) lower potassium concentration whereas each GFR decrease by 10 ml/min led to an increase of 0.04 mmol/l (P < 0.001). CNI intake increased serum potassium by 0.06 mmol/l (P = 0.002). Furthermore, serum potassium increased by 0.17 mmol/l within the first decade after transplantation (P < 0.001) while holding the other covariables constant. No effect modification between ACEI/ARB and time since transplantation was observed. Nineteen subjects (2.4%) discontinued the ACEI/ARB therapy due to hyperkalaemia. In summary, relevant hyperkalaemia associated with ACEI/ARB therapy is negligible in renal transplant recipients during long-term follow-up. The hyperkalaemic effect of ACEI/ARB is balanced by the use of diuretics.

On composition converting liquid metal alloys

For studying the effect of impurity on the structure of basic component in the solvent, three-component molecular-dynamics model for liquid PbK and NaPb is represented. The analysis of atomic configurations is performed by statistical-geometry method. It is shown that with increasing potassium concentration in liquid lead more than 14% at., a microstructure transition is possible. The lead influence to liquid sodium does not make an impact on the NaPb structure up to 20% at. of the lead.

The Relationship Between KCl Infusion and Changes of ECG, Electrolytes of Plasma and K Content of Donkey's Red Blood Cells

Sudden marked increases in the serum potassium concentration, up to 8 to 9 meq L(-1), are the result of transcellular movement of potassium and are associated with profound electrocardiographic abnormalities and fluid shifts. Electrocardiographic changes associated with hyperkalemia have been described in the cat, the dog, the horse and are well documented in man. Since there is no research about the effects of hyperkalemia on electrocardiogram of donkey, the purpose of this study was to induce the experimentally hyperkalemia in donkey and studying the relationship between KCl infusion and changes of ECG, electrolytes of plasma and K content of donkey's red blood cells. This research was carried out in seven clinically healthy female donkeys, injected with 0.35 molar potassium chloride solutions to jugular vein. Results indicated that potassium content of RBC at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, blood potassium level at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, blood calcium at 60, 75, 90 and 105, increased significantly and blood magnesium decreased significantly at 135 min. Electrocardiographic changes were first degree A-V block, wandering pacemaker, inversion of negative to positive T-wave, flattening of the P-wave, ventricular premature beat, sinus arrest, bradycardia and sinus tachycardia.

A Discrete-Time Control Algorithm Applied to Closed-Loop Pacing of HL-1 Cardiomyocytes

Electrical stimulation represents a useful tool for electrophysiologic investigation of electrically excitable cells such as cardiomyocytes. The stimulation threshold and electrophysiologic response to precisely timed pulses yields valuable information regarding physiologic processes. However, determining these parameters accurately, while simultaneously resolving time-dependent or transient effects has been difficult or impossible with previous methods. This paper presents a discrete-time algorithmic controller used for closed-loop electrical stimulation of HL-1 clonal cardiomyocytes cultured on, and stimulated using, a planar microelectrode array. We introduce the temporal error-controlled algorithm (TECA), that is well-suited to control using capture fraction, a low data rate, highly quantized feedback parameter describing stimulation efficacy. HL-1 cardiomyocytes were electrically stimulated and resulting parameters were used to develop a representative model of partial capture, enabling extensive analysis of the algorithm. The performance of this approach is compared via computer simulation to a previously introduced conditional convergence algorithm to quantify its performance and relative advantages. Operation of the TECA is demonstrated by tracking the real-time biological response of stimulation threshold to a rapid increase in extracellular potassium concentration in four independent cell cultures. This work enables the use of stimulation threshold as a real-time, continuously monitored parameter with considerable utility in cardiac pharmacology, electrophysiology, and cell-based biosensing.

The effect of furnace ash on crop yields and macroelement content in selected grass species

-1 affected a significant decline in grass species yield. From among the cultivated grass species perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue produced the greatest yield, whereas meadow-grass gave the smallest. Perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue, proved the most resistant grasses then timothy and red fescue, whereas the meadow-grass proved the most ‘sensitive’ to ash application. The investigations demonstrated a significant effect of 0.533 kg . pot -1 furnace ash dose on the increase in Mg, Ca and Na contents in grass species, whereas phosphorus concentrations decreased. Furnace ash influenced also an increase in potassium content in timothy, red fescue and perennial ryegrass, while it decreased these element concentrations in meadow grass and to meadow fescue. Contents of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus in the studied grass species corresponded to the standards stated for good quality forage. The level of calcium and sodium in tested grasses was not within the optimal ranges. A decreased uptake of Ca, K, Na and P by grass species was registered under the influence of ash application to the soil.

Effects of dynamic upper-body exercise on lower-limb isometric endurance

Following preliminary indications that in some individuals arm exercise enhanced rather than reduced simultaneous leg endurance, ten young men and women performed three forms of intermittent work to volitional exhaustion, under duty cycles of 45 s work, 15 s rest. The protocols were as follows: (A) knee extensions at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC); (B) 30% MVC knee extensions combined with arm cranking at 130% of their own lactate threshold; (C) combined 30% MVC knee extensions and arm cranking at 20% of their own lactate threshold. Heart rate, oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2), and blood lactate concentration were among the variables recorded throughout. All physiological indicators of demand were substantially higher in protocol B than in protocols A or C [heart rate: (A) 154 beats · min−1, (B) 171 beats · min−1, (C) 150 beats · min−1; [Vdot]O2: (A) 11.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1, (B) 21.7 ml · kg−1 · min−1, (C) 14.2 ml · kg−1 · min−1; blood lactate concentration: (A) 3.3 mmol · l−1, (B) 5.1 mmol · l−1, (C) 2.8 mmol · l−1], yet there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the endurance times between the three conditions [(A) 11.43 min, (B) 11.1 min, (C) 10.57 min] and seven participants endured longest in protocol B. Results from protocol (C) cast doubt on explanations in terms of psychological distraction. We suggest that lactic acid produced by the arms is shuttled to the legs and acts there either as a supplementary fuel source or as an antagonist to the depressing effects of increased potassium concentration.