A STUDY ON THE PROPHYLACTIC AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM ADMINISTRATION IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to study the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of potassium administration on blood pressure level, serum and urine sodium and potassium levels, fasting serum lipids and IIDL I total cholesterol ratio in hypertensive rats.

The present investigation was performed on 48 adult male albino rats. Rats were divided into 4 main groups:

I- Normotensive control group.

II- Non-treated hypertensive group.

III- Concomitant potassium-treated hypertensive group. IV- Post-treated hypertensive group : • IV-a : Potassium post-treated hypertensive group.

• IV-b: ACE-I post-treated hypertensive group.

• IV-c : Combined potassium and ACE-I post-treated hypertensive group.

The results showed that the induction of DOC A-salt hypertension resulted in a significant elevation in SBP, DBP and MABP. It also resulted in a significant increase in serum sodium and urine potassium, and a significant decrease in serum potassium and urine sodium levels. Fasting serum total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels were significantly increased, while, fasting serum IIDL and IIDL/total cholesterol ratio were significantly decreased. These results were in comparison with the corresponding values in normotensive control group.