Factors Affecting the Intracellular Distribution of Potassium in Liver, Kidney and Brain

¹ From the Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee

Effects of several experimental procedures, known to influence tissue electrolyte metabolism, on the prevailing intracellular distribution of K were studied by the method of homogenization and differential centrifugation. Evidence obtained suggests that specific biochemical mechanisms occurring in the cytoplasm, at the cell membrane, and in the mitochondria are of prime importance in maintaining this normal intracellular distribution. Pharmacological agents known to modify tissue electrolytes metabolism can do so by interfering with reactions occurring in the membrane (diuretics), the mitochondria (2,4-dinitrophenol and epinephrine), or both (the adrenergic mediators and desoxycorticosterone).