Aminophylline activation of adrenaline mediated transmembrane K transfer in hyperkalemic dogs.

Ureter ligated control dogs that are K loaded by infusion with 2 mEq KCl/kg.h until prelethal electrocardiographic changes of hyperkalemic cardiotoxicity appear, transfer somewhat more than half the K load to intracellular fluid. The proportion is not significantly changed by adrenalectomy, but increased by treatment with aminophylline; the treatment has no effect on K transfer in adrenalectomized animals. Insulin is not involved; in dogs with adrenalectomy and pancreatectomy treatment with pharmacological dosages of adrenaline (Abbot), beta agonist activity is as effective as that with aminophylline. We conclude that aminophylline improves K transfer, by investifying beta agonist activity of endogenous adrenaline; it is known that increased beta agonist activity enhances beta receptor mediated K transfer in K loaded ureter ligated, intact and adrenalectomized dogs.