EFFECT OF POTASSIUM ADAPTATION ON PLASMA SODIUM AND POTASSIUM, SODIUM POTASSIUM RATIO, BLOOD UREA NITROGEN AND PLASMA OSMOLALITY IN WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

Potassium is a main intracellular cation which constitutes 98% of intercellular fluid in the body and is principally involved in membrane potential and electrical excitation of both nerve and muscle cells and also acid-base regulation. Potassium adaptation is a complex and efficient mechanism that prevents intoxication of potassium. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of potassium adaptation on plasma sodium and potassium, sodium potassium ratio, blood urea nitrogen, plasma glucose and plasma osmolality in wistar rats. Ten (10) wistar rats were used for the study and divided into 2 groups: Control and Test (n=5). The test group were administered potassium chloride (KCL) (0.75%) in their drinking water daily for a period of 5 weeks while the control group received normal rat chow, water ad litum. At the end of the weeks, the animals were anesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected through abdominal aorta, the results were analyzed using Graph pad version 10.0.2 and a p value of p<0.05 was considered significant. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), the results showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in plasma sodium and potassium, sodium potassium ratio, blood urea nitrogen and plasma osmolality. Conclusively potassium adaptation did not alter plasma sodium and potassium, sodium potassium ratio, plasma osmolality.