Extracellular potassium homeostasis: Insights from hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Extracellular potassium makes up only about 2% of the total body's potassium store. The majority of the body potassium is distributed in the intracellular space, of which about 80% is in skeletal muscle. Movement of potassium in and out of skeletal muscle thus plays a pivotal role in extracellular potassium homeostasis. The exchange of potassium between the extracellular space and skeletal muscle is mediated by specific membrane transporters. Recent findings that mutations of a skeletal muscle–specific inward–rectifier K+ channel cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis provide interesting insights into the role of skeletal muscle in extracellular potassium homeostasis. These recent findings are reviewed.

Information obtained at:  http://www.mdlinx.com/nephrology/news-article.cfm/4779277/hypokalemic-periodic-paralysis-thyrotoxic-periodic-paralysis