title: Potassium homeostasis in pregnancy.
abstract: We selectively reviewed potassium (K) metabolism during human gestation, focusing on the influence of progesterone on renal K excretion. Approximately 300 mEq of K is gained during pregnancy. Two-thirds of it are in the products of conception, but little is known about renal K handling during gestation. We have suggested that progesterone may play a role in preventing the kaliuresis that normally occurs when aldosterone levels are elevated and substantial quantities of sodium are presented to distal nephron sites. In addition, we hypothesize that subtle K secretory problems, such as those known to occur in sickle cell disease, may be aggravated during gestation, probably due to elevated circulating levels of progesterone.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000378:metabolism; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism*; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000378:metabolism*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone; D011188:Potassium