A study on effects of starvation on electrolytes homeostasis

Abstract EN

This study was performed to demonstrate the changes in plasma levels ofNa+, K+, Mg++, Ca++, Cl~ and inorganic ph;<>]ihate as well as in plasma levels of aldosterone and PTH in normal rats during short term (3 & 6 days) and long term (9 &12 days} starvation.

Control rats were allowed food and tap water ad libitum.

A rapid fall in body weight was found in the starved rates in the first 3 days followed by a less rapid decrement in weight loss and this was accompanied by a significant hyponatremia and hypochloremia in rats starved for 3 and 6 days.

However, the maximum reduction was found after 3 days starvation.

On the other hand, a significant hyperkalemia was obtained only after 3 days starvation.

These changes were associated with significant hyperaldosteronemia in 6 days starved rats.

Also, there was insignificant changes in plasma levels of both total and ionized calcium and magnesium as well as phosphate and PTH in starved rats.

In conclusion, starvation could affect electrolytes homeostasis particularly Na+, K* and Cl~ as well as mineralocorticoids secretion during the early stage of food deprivation.