Relationship of hypokalemia to metabolic alkalosis in the intact Yucatan miniature boar following implantation of deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA) or d-aldosterone.

1. Normo-kalemic Yucatan miniature boars were implanted with deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA) or d-aldosterone (Aldo) to evaluate the relationship of hypokalemia to the pathogenesis of metabolic alkalosis following mineralocorticoid administration. 2. Serum potassium was significantly less than control within 24 hr, serum bicarbonate significantly elevated within 4 days and pH 1-2 days later with no significant differences between DOCA and Aldo. 3. These data demonstrate that pre-existing potassium deficits are not required for the development of alkalosis with mineralocorticoid administration, DOCA and Aldo are equally effective, co-existing hypokalemia is necessary in the genesis, and perhaps maintenance, of metabolic alkalosis with excess mineralocorticoids, and hypokalemia is not a consequence of the alkalosis.