[Reflex regulation of potassium excretion in the postnatal ontogeny of the dog].

In experiments on puppies ageing from 7 days to 8 months, as well as on adult dogs, studies have been made on reflex mechanisms of potassium excretion after injection of 135 mM KCl solution (0.7 ml/kg) to the portal vein. It was found that reflex regulation of potassium extrusion undergoes 3 developmental stages: in puppies up to 1 month potassium excretion is absent; from 1 to 4 months ionuresis is not differentiated, since injection of KCl increases excretion of both K and Na; after 4 months of postnatal life potassium excretion attains its final form. Intravenous injections of pituitrin P reproduce the reactions which were observed in reflex potassium regulation in puppies up to 4 months, this finding indicating possible participation of neurohypophysial hormones in these reactions. In acute experiments it was shown that in puppies of the first month, the liver is not capable of potassium retention. This may be one of the causes of absence of reflex potassium excretion in animals of this age.