Abstract
Summary
The effect of sodium depletion on urinary acidification was investigated in five healthy male volunteers. The response to short-duration NH4C1 loading was assessed both before and during sodium depletion induced by low salt diet plus a single dose of furosemide. The minimal urine pH was higher (P < 0.005) and the maximal rate of ammonium excretion was lower (P < 0.02) following sodium depletion. These changes could not be explained by changes in acid-base status, serum potassium concentration, urine flow rate, or urinary phosphorus excretion. The findings support the concept that sodium delivery to distal exchange sites in concert with sodium reab-sorptive avidity are major regulators of the renal response to acid loading. It is suggested that following sodium depletion a decreased distal delivery of sodium limited maximal hydrogen ion secretion despite the probable enhancement of the avidity for H+-Na+ exchange.
The authors wish to express their appreciation to Kenneth Bailey, Raul Rodriguez, Robert Rubin, Lottie Scott, Joan Spiegel, Charlene Morgan, and Bonnie Agnell.
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