Although the biosynthesis of aldosterone in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is known to be regulated by a whole array of other agents (ACTH, serotonin, dopamine, atrial natriuretic peptide, acetylcholine) (Miiller, 1988) in this short review we will concentrate on the interplay between the two major regulators, angiotensin I1 and potassium ion ( K ' ) . For many years, specific diseases as well as pathophysiological clinical situations have taught us much about the relation between the renin-angiotensin system and potassium, which has been further explored by animal experimentation. More recently, considerable progress has been achieved in our understanding of the mode of action of both angiotensin I1 and K+ at the cellular level, putting their interplay into a new light.
Clinical obsewatlonsThere are many diseases and clinical settings which are caused by abnormalities of secretion of one or other member of the renin-angiotensin system and of the mineralocorticoid family of compounds, mainly aldosterone, or in which these hormones react to or adapt to disturbances of potassium economy. The latter is easily disturbed, which is not surprising given that the total potassium available in the extracellular fluid is 65 mmol, compared with some 5 mol of intracellular potassium. This is distributed mainly in muscle (approximately 2650 mmol), with the erythrocytes, liver and bones each accounting for approximately 250-300 mmol. The turnover of body potassium reflects a daily intake of approximately 100 mmol in the diet, and equivalent excretion mainly by the kidney and to a smaller extent in the stool.In circumstances under which the renin-angiotensin system is primarily stimulated, secondary hyperaldosteronCorrespondence: Professor M.