Plasma Potassium Changes During Rebreathing in the Dog. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Plasma potassium was determined on dogs before and during 90 minutes of rebreathing, and immediately following return to air breathing. Potassium concentration rose gradually with increasing CO₂ tensions during the first 60 minutes of rebreathing and remained essentially constant for the last 30 minutes. On changing from the high CO₂ concentration to air breathing, a further rapid rise in plasma potassium concentration appeared. No evidence of a transient early rise in potassium concentration was observed.