Effects of angiotensin on plasma electrolyte concentrations in rabbits and in man.

Abstract

The effects of an intravenous infusion of angiotensin on plasma electrolytes were examined in normal, adrenalectomized and nephrectomized groups of rabbits and in normal man. Rabbits were given 1 μg kg-1 min-1 and human subjects 0.008-0.030 μg kg-1 min-1 of angiotensin. In normal rabbits, angiotensin increased arterial and venous plasma K within 2 min by 0.8 and 0.4 mmol l-1 respectively, some hyperkalemia persisting for 30-60 min. After 60 min arterial plasma Na decreased by 3.8 mmol l-1 and Cl by 2.4 mmol l-1. Arterial blood pH increased 0.04 units after 15 min, and arterial plasma Mg and Ca rose slightly after 2 min. Pressor response was 20-28 mmHg. In adrenalectomized and nephrectomized ..