Which statement correctly identifies factors that shift potassium into cells?

Which statement correctly identifies factors that shift potassium into cells?

• A. Potassium shifting into cells is caused by insulin, alkalosis, and B-adrenergic agonists
• B. Potassium shifting into cells is caused by acidosis and alpha-adrenergic agonists
• C. Potassium shifting into cells is caused by dehydration and ketones
• D. Potassium shifting into cells is caused by high potassium diets

Answer: (B)

Potassium distribution between the inside and outside of cells is mainly controlled by the Na+/K+-ATPase pump and is influenced by insulin, pH, and adrenergic signaling. Insulin activates this pump, pulling potassium from the outside into cells. Alkalosis, by raising intracellular pH, also promotes potassium uptake into cells via the same pump. Beta-adrenergic stimulation (such as with epinephrine) increases Na+/K+-ATPase activity, driving potassium into cells as well. In contrast, acidosis tends to push potassium out of cells to help balance hydrogen ions in the body, while alpha-adrenergic agonists do not have a primary role in promoting intracellular potassium uptake. Dehydration, ketones, or a high-potassium diet do not directly cause potassium to shift into cells. Therefore, the factors that shift potassium into cells are insulin, alkalosis, and beta-adrenergic agonists.

Potassium distribution between the inside and outside of cells is mainly controlled by the Na+/K+-ATPase pump and is influenced by insulin, pH, and adrenergic signaling. Insulin activates this pump, pulling potassium from the outside into cells. Alkalosis, by raising intracellular pH, also promotes potassium uptake into cells via the same pump. Beta-adrenergic stimulation (such as with epinephrine) increases Na+/K+-ATPase activity, driving potassium into cells as well. In contrast, acidosis tends to push potassium out of cells to help balance hydrogen ions in the body, while alpha-adrenergic agonists do not have a primary role in promoting intracellular potassium uptake. Dehydration, ketones, or a high-potassium diet do not directly cause potassium to shift into cells. Therefore, the factors that shift potassium into cells are insulin, alkalosis, and beta-adrenergic agonists.