title: A patient with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis.
abstract: Uptake of potassium by extrarenal tissues, primarily muscle and liver, represents a major defense mechanism in the maintenance of normokalemia following an acute elevation in the serum potassium concentration. Insulin, epinephrine, and aldosterone all play major roles in maintaining the normal distribution of potassium between the intracellular and extracellular environment. In addition to hormonal regulation, changes in blood pH and tonicity also exert a strong influence on extrarenal potassium metabolism. Last, the serum potassium concentration per se directly influences its own cellular uptake and this transport mechanism appears to be inhibited by uremia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock 79430.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Kurtzman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: DeFronzo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giebisch
mesh_terms: D000138:Acidosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000141:Acidosis, Renal Tubular / Q000150:complications*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000150:complications*; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism*; D007671:Kidney Concentrating Ability; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D005665:Furosemide; D011188:Potassium