Control of Potassium Concentration Flashcards
What are the most abundant intra-cellular cation?
K+ ions
What % of the total body K+ content is intracellular?
98%
What % of the total body K+ content is in the ECF?
2%
What does the body do, regarding plasma [K+]?
Tightly maintains it
Within what range does the body maintain plasma [K+]?
3.5-5.3mmol/L
Where is [K+] high?
Inside cells
Inside mitochondria
What is high [K+] inside cells and mitochondria essential for?
Maintaining cell volume Regulating intra-cellular pH Controlling cell-enzyme function DNA/protein synthesis Cell growth
What is low [K+] outside cells necessary for?
Maintaining the steep K+ ion gradient across cell membranes
What is the steep K+ ion gradient across cell membrane largely responsible for?
The membrane potential of excitable and non-excitable cells
What is the result of increased ECF [K+] on cell membranes?
Depolarises
What is the result of decreased ECF [K+] on cell membranes?
Hyperpolarises
What is the result of changes in extracellular [K+]?
Can cause severe disturbances in excitation and contraction
What can result from hyperkalaemia, regarding excitation and contraction?
Potentially life threatening disturbances of cardiac rhythm
What can extremely low [K+] lead to?
Several metabolic disturbances
What metabolic disturbances can extremely low [K+] lead to?
Inability of the kidney to form concentrated urine
A tendency to develop metabolic alkalosis
Large enhancement of renal ammonium excretion
What keeps ECF [K+] tightly controlled?
Two homeostatic mechanisms
What homeostatic mechanisms keep [K+] tightly controlled?
External and internal balance
What happens to K+ at the glomerulus?
It is filtered freely
In what segments of the nephron does potassium handling occur?
Proximal tubule
Thick ascending limb
Principal cells of DCT and cortical collecting duct
Intercalated cells of DCT and cortical collecting duct, and medually collecting duct
Where does the handling of K+ in the nephron differ based on the K+ content of the diet?
Principal cells of DCT and cortical collecting duct