SUMMARY OF MAJOR FACTORS THAT 2.

Increased extracellular potassium

REGULATE POTASSIUM SECRETION concentration increases the
potassium gradient from the renal
interstitial fluid to the interior of the
 Δ in potassium secretion by principal epithelial cell,
cells (PC) of the late distal and collecting  reduces back leakage of
tubules = Normal regulation of K+ potassium ions from
excretion inside the cells through
 Most important stimulating factors the basolateral membrane
(PC): 3. Increased potassium intake
1. increased extracellular fluid stimulates synthesis of potassium
potassium concentration; channels and their translocation
2. increased aldosterone; and from the cytosol to the luminal
3. increased tubular flow rate. membrane
 One factor that decreases K+ secretion:  increases the ease of
1. Increased H+ ion concentration potassium diffusion
(acidosis) through the membrane
4. Increased potassium concentration
Increased Extracellular Fluid Potassium stimulates aldosterone secretion by
Concentration Stimulates Potassium the adrenal cortex
Secretion  further stimulates
potassium secretion
 Effect is pronounced when K+ECF > 4.1
mEq/L, slightly less than the normal
concentration
 Increased K+ plasma concentration
serves as one of the most important
mechanisms for:
1. increasing potassium secretion; and
2. regulating extracellular fluid
potassium ion concentration
 Increased dietary K+ intake and
Increased K+ECF stimulate K+ secretion
by four mechanisms:
1. Increased extracellular fluid
potassium concentration stimulates
the sodium-potassium ATPase
pump
a.  increases potassium
uptake across the basolateral
membrane;
b. (a) then increases
intracellular potassium ion
concentration
 cause potassium to
diffuse across the
luminal membrane 
tubule