Nitrogen and Potassium Metabolism: The Reaction Pattern in Poliomyelitis

Effect of Poliomyelitis on Sodium and Potassium in Serum and Urine

“…However, normal urinary levels were restored by the second week. These findings agree with those of other investigators (Allott, 1957;Bower et al, 1952).…”

“…These findings are in conformity with those reported by other investigators (Thomson, 1957;Allott, 1957;Bower et al, 1952).…”

“…A marked rise in potassium excretion in urine was noticed before the period of low serum potassium. The initial raised serum potassium agrees with the findings reported by some workers (Jungner, 1958;Chudnoff, 1954;Bower et al, 1952). However, the absence of extremely low levels found by others (Astrup et al, 1954;Jungner, 1958;Chudnoff, 1954;Bower et al, 1952;Gemzell, 1956;Earle, 1950), may be ascribed to the adequate care offered to those cases and the maintenance of a good fluid supply, mainly fruit juices rich in potassium.…”

“…Astrup et al (1954) found normal serum values in the majority of cases, hypokalaemia in some and hyperkalaemia in others with azotaemia. Bower, Morgan and Chaney (1952), Gemzell (1956) and Earle (1950) reported low serum potassium levels. Lans, Stein, Becker, Hoyne and Meyer (1951) emphasized the importance of potassium deficiency in poliomyelitis, and reported clinical improvement after its administration.…”

Does Measles Cause Hypertension?

“…Though this explanation is probably the correct one, the participation of other more central factors cannot be excluded. We find a similar example of hypertension for instance in poliomyelitis (Bower, Morgan and Chaney, 1952), where it is believed that the virus stimulates the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland or the reticular cells located in the ventromedial area (Sennet, Perlstein, Andelman, Barnett and Josephy, 1951;Baker, Matzke and Brown, 1950), and through them the adrenal cortex, thus causing hypertension.…”