Jump to content

Potassium: Difference between revisions

Potassium (view source)

Revision as of 20:08, 31 January 2024

20 bytes removed ,  31 January
no edit summary
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 25: Line 25:


== Regulation of potassium level ==
== Regulation of potassium level ==
The potassium level is mainly regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the kidneys. Increasing levels of potassium stimulates RAAS and therefore aldosterone production, which in turn stimulates the [[Na+/K+-ATPase]] in the distal tubules and collecting duct. This causes K+ and H+ loss.
The potassium level is mainly regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the kidneys. Increasing levels of potassium stimulates RAAS and therefore aldosterone production, which in turn stimulates the [[Na+/K+-ATPase]] in the distal tubules and collecting duct. This causes K+ and H+ loss. This system is very effective and therefore prevents hyperkalaemia from developing, as long as the kidneys are functioning.


The daily intake of potassium in the diet is approximately 40 – 120 mmol K+. This extra potassium reaches the extracellular space and not the cells in normal cases. 90% of excreted potassium is excreted by the kidneys, the remaining through the <abbr>GI</abbr> tract.
The daily intake of potassium in the diet is approximately 40 – 120 mmol K+. This extra potassium reaches the extracellular space and not the cells in normal cases. 90% of excreted potassium is excreted by the kidneys, the remaining through the <abbr>GI</abbr> tract.
Line 52: Line 52:


==== Insulin ====
==== Insulin ====
Insulin enhances Na+/K+ ATPase activity, causing K+ to enter the cells. In fact, when there is a hyperkalaemia that should be quickly normalized the treatment is to give insulin and glucose simultaneously. This doesn’t really fix the elevated K+ level in the body though, it just “hides” the potassium inside cells.
Insulin enhances Na+/K+ ATPase activity, causing K+ to enter the cells. We use the fact that insulin causes intracellular movement of H+ in the management of [[hyperkalaemia]].  


==== Others ====
==== Others ====