Lack of influence of beta adrenergic blockade on serum potassium during an infusion of potassium

The extent to which the serum potassium rose in a group of six healthy volunteers during an intra-venous infusion of potassium was identical following pretreatment with placebo, low or high dose propranolol and low or high dose metoprolol. Thus in this acute study, we were unable to demonstrate any influence of either selective or non-selective beta adrenergic blockade upon potassium uptake mechanisms. This is in contrast to the effects of beta blockers on potassium reuptake rates noted after exercise and during cardiac surgery.