The influence of dietary potassium on the renin and aldosterone response to diuretic-induced volume depletion
Dluhy, R.G.; Cain, J.P.; Williams, G.H.
Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine 83(2): 249-255
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-2143 PMID: 4359406 Document Number: 77309
Of 13 healthy volunteers 6 were given a diet with Na 10 and K 40 m-equiv, and then one with Na 10 and K 200 m-equiv; 7 were given a diet with Na 200 and K 40 m-equiv, and then Na 200 and K 200 m-equiv. Each diet was given for 3 days, on the second day of which volume depletion was achieved by furosemide by mouth to obtain a weight loss of 1.5 to 2 kg during 24 h. Serum Na fell significantly on the high-Na, low-K diet. Serum K fell significantly on all diets except that high in Na and K. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone secretion increased significantly on all diets. Plasma aldosterone increased significantly except on the low-Na, high-K diet. The weights and weight loss induced by volume depletion were not affected by the amount of K in the diet. K and Na excretion above control values were similar on diets high and low in K but the control serum K was significantly less on the low-K intake in the low-Na diet. Serum K after diuresis was significantly lower on the low-K diets. Control plasma aldosterone and aldosterone secretion rates increased with increased K intake, but plasma renin activity was not affected. Similarly, aldosterone secretion rates after diuresis were higher on the high-K diet but plasma renin activity was unaffected.