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AN EXPERIMENT TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS SUBSTANCES ON THE RATE OF SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND URINE EXCRETION IN THE HUMAN VOLUNTEER

AIM To determine the effects of placebo, alcohol and frusemide on the rate of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and urine excretion in second year pharmacy student volunteers.

DESIGN academic focus groups conducted to produce urine at set times after taking placebo, alcohol and frusemide. The results of urine volumes and Na and K excreted were used to identify the effects of the above substances on their excretion.

SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS Students at a school of pharmacy in England in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The students divided themselves into pairs, with one volunteer and one biochemist. The experiment was carried out using a litre jug, a measuring cylinder and a clean specimen bottle with a cap to return with the sample needed for the photometer reading. All volunteers were given a litre of orange juice, plus frusemide or placebo or alcohol. Urine volumes produced were measured at set times and K and Na values for samples produced were also measured using a flamephotometer.

RESULTS T-Tests: Paired Sample for means were performed on the raw data for placebo, alcohol and frusemide for urine volume, Na and K averages at 30 minutes versus 150 minutes. P values for all the above t-Tests were less than 0.05 with the exception of the p value for alcohol K averages 30 minutes versus 150 minutes. T-Tests: Two-Sample Assuming equal variances were performed on the raw data placebo versus alcohol, placebo versus frusemide and frusemide versus alcohol for urine volumes, Na and K averages at 150 minutes. All the p values for the above t-tests were less than 0.05 with the exception of placebo versus alcohol urine volumes and also placebo versus frusemide K.

Introduction

The kidney controls the ionic composition of the urine, which...