Kaluresis independent K-homeostasis: glucagon and B receptor blockade in pancreatectomized dogs.

Seventy minutes post pancreatectomy, in dogs that are K loaded - made abruptly hyperkalemic and "life threatened" - by infusion with 2 mEgKC1/kg-/hr until prelethal ECG changes of hyperkalemic cardiotoxicity appear, a kaluresis independent K homeostatic mechanism transfers about 2/3 of administered K to intracellular fluid. Treatment of K loaded pancreatectomized dogs with glucagon or a B receptor blockading dosage of propranolol does not alter the proportion transferred, but treatment with glucagon and propranolol reduces it. It appears that in pancx dogs there is a reciprocal relation between insulin and B receptor mediated K transfer and that glucagon is involved in activity of the kaluresis independent K homeostatic mechanism.