The effect of potassium loading and sodium depletion on DOC induced hypertension in sheep

• Published in: Acta endocrinologica (Copenhagen) Vol. 106; no. 4; pp. 521 - 526
• Main Authors: Mills, E H, Coghlan, J P, Denton, D A, Spence, C D, Whitworth, J A, Scoggins, B A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark 01.08.1984
• Subjects: Adrenals; Animals; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Desoxycorticosterone - administration & dosage; Female; Hypertension - chemically induced; Hypertension - metabolism; Potassium - administration & dosage; Potassium - metabolism; Sheep; Sodium - administration & dosage; Sodium - metabolism
• ISSN: 0804-4643; 0001-5598; 1479-683X
• DOI: 10.1530/acta.0.1060521

This study examines the physiological effects of 1 1-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) at 2 rates of continuous iv infusion for 5 days in conscious sheep. DOC treatment, in sheep on Na and K intake 80 and 120 mmol/day respectively, increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 12 mmHg at 50 mg/day and by 10 mmHg at 5 mg/day. Both rates of infusion raised plasma [Na] and lowered plasma [K]. Urinary Na excretion fell on the first day of infusion. On cessation of infusion there was a natriuresis. A high K intake of approximately 800 mmol/day for 7 to 10 days prior to and during DOC (5 mg/day) treatment abolished the rise in blood pressure, the rise in plasma [Na], the intitial Na retention and the post-DOC natriuresis. Plasma [K] rose with high K intake and fell with DOC. Na depletion prior to DOC infusion (5 mg/day) prevented the rise in MAP. Urinary Na excretion remained low and plasma [K] fell. This study shows that K loading abolishes DOC hypertension in sheep by a mechanism which may involve modification of the Na retaining effects of the steroid.