Arterial wall potassium in renal hypertensive rats.

An elevation of potassium content of the aorta is found in renal hypertensive rats. Reduction of hypertension by potassium deprivation is followed by a proportional decrease in the aorta potassium content. Restoration of hypertension in such rats by cortisone administration is associated with a return of the aorta potassium content to the previous elevated levels. It is suggested that the potassium content of the arteries influences artei'ial tone and, by altering peripheral vascular resistance, may be a significant factor in blood pressure regulation.