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
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