Inhibitory effect of potassium on blood pressure in DOCA salt hypertension in rats.

The present study was performed to assess the influence of potassium on blood pressure in deoxycorticosterone (DOCA) salt hypertensive rats. The effects of potassium administration on the systolic blood pressure, fluid intake, urine volume, excretion of sodium and potassium, serum sodium and potassium, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were investigated both during the first 2 weeks of development of DOCA salt hypertension and during the next 2 weeks of established DOCA salt hypertension. Potassium administration prevented the development of DOCA salt hypertension and reduced the blood pressure in established DOCA salt hypertension. Fluid intake, urine volume, and excretion of sodium and potassium appeared to be markedly increased in rats treated with potassium. The levels of serum sodium and potassium were unchanged by potassium loading. Both the PRA and PAC which were suppressed in DOCA salt hypertensive rats, were reversed in rats treated by potassium loading. It is suggested that the elevation of blood pressure may be prevented and the increased blood pressure reduced mainly by the diuresis and natriuresis caused by potassium loading.