title: The effect of adrenergic blockade on potassium concentrations in different conditions.
abstract: A moderate increase in serum potassium concentrations has been observed in several controlled clinical trials with beta-blockers. This increase cannot be explained by the retention of potassium in the organism, and is probably caused by the redistribution of potassium from intracellular to extracellular compartments. beta-adrenergic mechanisms seem to be concerned in the extrarenal handling of the potassium-load in man, presumably by inducing an increased uptake of potassium in muscular cells and liver cells. These beta-adrenergic mechanisms are probably of the beta 2-type. In theory there are several conditions in which it is important to have a defence against hyperkalaemia from exogenous or endogenous sources for example, during heavy physical exercise, after a potassium-rich meal, or after traumatic tissue damage. Available data indicate that non-selective beta-blockade increases serum potassium concentrations during and after heavy exercise and during coronary bypass. The clinical implications of these findings are unknown.
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D004837:Epinephrine; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D010869:Pindolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000450:Aldosterone; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D011433:Propranolol; D010869:Pindolol; D012083:Renin; D011188:Potassium; D004837:Epinephrine