Sodium bicarbonate and salbutamol facilitate recovery from hyperkalemia-induced electrocardiogram abnormalities in bullfrog hearts

Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality frequently complicated with chronic kidney disease. By injecting potassium chloride (KCl) solutions intravenously into bullfrogs, we reproduced typical electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities of hyperkalemia in the frog hearts, such as peaked T waves and widening QRS complexes. Simultaneous recordings cardiac action potentials showed morphological changes that synchronized those ECG. After 100 mM KCl injection, widened complexes continued for while gradually restored to their baseline widths. However, pre-treatment sodium bicarbonate or salbutamol, which directly indirectly stimulates Na+/K+-ATPase activity, significantly facilitated recovery from duration, indicating transcellular movement ions extracellular fluid intracellular stores.