Table 1

Regulators of potassium distribution between intracellular and extracellular compartment

Regulators Mechanism of action Potassium shift into cells
InsulinActivation of sodium-potassium ATPaseIncrease
CatecholaminesActivation of β2receptorsIncrease
Activation of α receptorsDecrease
MineralocorticoidsUnknownMild increase
ParathormoneUnknownMild decrease
Acid-base changesExchange of H+ for K+See table 2
HyperosmolalitySolvent dragsShifts potassium extracellularly