Effect of aldosterone on potassium transport in the toad bladder.

The effect of aldosterone on potassium uptake by the toad bladder is described. The hormone stimulated the uptake of potassium across the serosal border of the bladder. The increased uptake was the consequence of an increase in the rate of potassium influx. An effect on potassium uptake was characterized by a latent period of approximately 60 min; it was evident for periods as long as 5 h, and it was abolished by addition of actinomycin D. The time course of the aldosterone effect on potassium closely resembled the effect of the hormone on sodium transport. It is suggested that aldosterone influences potassium transport in the toad bladder via DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. In addition, it is suggested that the effect of the hormone on potassium and sodium may be in some way related.