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. 1985 Dec;86(4):827–836. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1985.tb11104.x

The effects of adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on plasma potassium concentration in anaesthetized guinea-pigs, rabbits and rats.

R A Coats
PMCID: PMC1916631  PMID: 4075019

Abstract

An intravenous K+-sensitive electrode has been used to monitor plasma [K+] changes induced by alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists in anaesthetized guinea-pigs, rabbits and rats. The effects of phentolamine and propranolol on these responses were studied. In the guinea-pig both alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists produced a biphasic response consisting of an initial rapid increase in [K+] which was followed, within 1 min, by a fall below baseline. The antagonist studies indicated that in this species both phases of the response could be elicited by either alpha- or beta-adrenoceptor activation. In the rabbit the responses were both slower and smaller than those seen in the guinea-pig and required larger agonist doses. In addition it was found that the increase in plasma [K+] was alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated while the subsequent fall was seen only with beta-adrenoceptor activation. In the rat triphasic changes in plasma [K+] were seen consisting of an initial decrease which was alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated, followed by an increase and then a second fall which was elicited by beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. The increase in plasma [K+] was only slightly reduced by either alpha- or beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. Apamin, a toxin from bee venom which blocks Ca2+-activated K+-channels, was found to block the hyperkalaemic phase of the response in the guinea-pig and rabbit but had no effect in the rat. It is concluded that there are marked species differences in the effects of adrenoceptor agonists on plasma [K+] in vivo.

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Selected References

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