EFFECT OF VERAPAMIL ON DISPOSITION OF INTRAVENOUS POTASSIUM IN DIABETIC ANEPHRIC UREMIC RATS

Calcium channel blockers decrease the plasma potassium concentration i n acutely nephrectomized rats exposed to an acute potassium load. We e xamined the effect of verapamil on the plasma potassium concentration during an acute potassium load in anephric-uremic diabetic and non-dia betic rats. The plasma potassium concentration was measured at 15-min intervals during 60 min of continuous KCl infusion, with and without v erapamil. The baseline potassium concentrations were higher in diabeti c rats vs. nondiabetic controls. Verapamil blunted the increase in pla sma potassium in diabetic and nondiabetic rats compared with the respe ctive controls. The pH and hematocrit were similar in all groups. We c onclude that the effect of verapamil on extrarenal potassium disposal are independent of insulin and the renin angiotensin system in the ure mic state.