[The effect of adrenergic agents on the level of extracellular potassium normally and in myocardial ischemia (infarct)].

Adrenergic drugs exert effects on the processes of potassium ions transmembrane distribution between the intra- and extracellular spaces. Drug-induced hypokalemia is the result of beta (predominantly beta-2) adrenergic stimulation. Arrhythmias in myocardial ischemia occur at the combination of hypercatecholaminemia and rapid transmembrane distribution of potassium ions between the intra- and extracellular spaces. The distribution results in the association of the increased local extracellular potassium concentration in the myocardium and rapidly developing hypokalemia.