Abstract
Summary and Conclusions
Hydrochloro thiazide, polythiazide and chlorthalidone were added to the diets of 3 groups of Sprague-Dawley rats. After 4 weeks of subsistence on this diet, these animals together with matched controls were sacrificed and analyses of serum and tissue electrolytes were done. The serum chloride concentration was significantly lower in each experimental group. Serum potassium concentration was decreased in all 3 groups, and was significantly lowered in the groups receiving chlorthalidone and hydrochlorthiazide. Changes in serum sodium concentration were not statistically significant. Tissue analyses revealed no significant alterations in water or electrolyte content. These studies suggest that the hypokalemia associated with oral diuretic therapy results from a redistribution of potassium stores rather than a frank depletion of this ion in rats.
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