Factor                  Effect on Plasma K+ Mechanism
Aldosterone                  Decrease                Increases sodium resorption, and increases K+                  excretion
Insulin                  Decrease                Stimulates K+ entry into cells by increasing                                                                                              sodium efflux (energy-dependent process)
Beta-adrenergic agents             Decrease                Increases skeletal muscle uptake of K+
Alpha-adrenergic agents          Increase                Impairs cellular K+ uptake
Acidosis (decreased pH)          Increase                Impairs cellular K+ uptake
Alkalosis (increased pH)         Decrease                Enhances cellular K+ uptake
Cell damage                             Increase                Intracellular K+ release
Succinylcholine                       Increase                Cell membrane depolarization