Aldosterone is a physiologically significant kaliuretic hormone.

To study the role of aldosterone in the short-term control of potassium excretion, rats were gavaged with a liquid diet containing 10-20% of their daily caloric and potassium intake, with a range of sodium intakes. Levels of (effective) aldosterone at the time of gavage were manipulated by administration of spironolactone, aldosterone, and adrenalectomy. Urinary sodium, potassium, and creatinine excretion were measured in conscious unrestrained rats for 2 h after the food load, and then blood was collected for measurement of plasma potassium, aldosterone, and renin activity. Potassium excretion was dependent on both dietary potassium and a minimum dietary sodium content. Potassium excretion was reduced by spironolactone and adrenalectomy and increased by acute aldosterone treatment in most dietary groups. These results strongly suggest that the ambient levels of aldosterone are important in determining potassium excretion following food ingestion. Plasma aldosterone was higher with the higher potassium and lower sodium content diets. Changes in plasma aldosterone, with variations in dietary potassium or sodium, suggest a role for aldosterone in subsequent potassium excretion.