Effects of Norepinephrine on Myocardial K,Na,C1 and H 2 O in Hemorrhagic Shock. ∗

Abstract

Summary

In a comparison of myocardial K, Na, Cl and H₂O in normal dogs and dogs in hemorrhagic shock, levels of K were found significantly elevated. Although Na concentrations declined, H₂O content did not change from controls. Administration of 1-norepinephrine to dogs in normovolemic shock caused no change in K and H₂O while Na and Cl levels returned to control. Analysis of myocardial K distribution showed that intracellular/interstitial ratio of this cation declined from 33 to 21 in shock. Norepinephrine treatment of these animals raised K ratio to 29, a change that primarily reflected the increase which this pressor amine causes in intracellular K.