Abstract
Summary
Intracoronary infusion of KCl sufficient to elevate coronary arterial plasma K concentration to levels of from 4.23 to 12.10 meq/l produced increases in CBF averaging 17.7%. The changes in CBF produced by KCl infusion did not parallel the changes in plasma K concentration. Infusion of 2,4-dinitrophenol or epinephrine, asphyxia, or increased aortic pressure (all factors which are known to increase myocardial oxygen consumption and coronary blood flow) did not result in the release of K from the myocardium. Therefore, it appears unlikely that K release from active myocardium is responsible for adjustment in coronary resistance which accompanies changes in metabolic activity of the myocardium.
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