Evidence of Permeability of Tissue Cells to Potassium

Abstract

Conclusions

The concentration of potassium in the plasma increases as the circulatory volume decreases. This is a reversible process since the potassium concentration returns to normal if the circulatory volume is increased subsequently by reinjection. Saline is as effective as whole blood in causing the decrease of potassium concentration in this way. The tissue cells are reversibly permeable to potassium ions. The injection of epinephrine has only a transitory effect on the plasma potassium but histamine causes a more lasting increase.

I am very grateful to Dr. W. O. Fenn for his aid with the experiments and in the preparation of this manuscript.