The effect ofppotassium on ouabain toxicity in reserpinized guinea pigs.

The antagonistic activity of reserpine pretreatment on ouabain toxicity was investigated in the guinea pig, with attention paid to the water and potassium unbalance caused by diarrhea. Reserpine pretreament alone exhibited no protective action against ouabain toxicity, but it was manifested by the administration of potassium chloride. On the other hand, glucose water was ineffective. There was no significant decrease of potassium concentration in the serum in r eserpinized animals. The possible role of potassiun in the antagonistic action of reserpine on ouabain toxicity was discussed.