Phenylephrine-induced Hyperkalemia: Role of the Liver

Abstract

Summary

Constant infusion of phenylephrine into the portal vein in the dog produced hyperkalemia which was prolonged relative to previously reported epinephrine-induced hyperkalemia. The liver released potassium into the plasma. Although hepatic arterial blood flow was decreased, the egress of potassium from the liver was not sustained. The results indicate that the prolonged nature of phenylephrine-induced hyperkalemia is not due to a delayed washout of potassium from the liver.