Effect of Potassium Administration on (1) Peripheral Vascular Reactivity and (2) Blood Pressure of the Potassium-Deficient Rat

One hour after administration of potassium chloride to potassium-deficient rats, the depressed peripheral vascular response to pressor substances was significantly elevated. Administration of potassium chloride to potassium-deficient rats also returned to higher levels the lowered blood pressure of previously normotensive, as well as hypertensive rats. It appears that the depressor effect of potassium deprivation is due to the loss of peripheral vascular reactivity, both of which are rapidly restored by potassium administration specifically.