What is the primary cellular mechanism that maintains potassium balance?
Most cells contain Na + -K + -ATPase pump on the cellular membrane which pumps 2 molecules of K + in and 3 molecules of Na + out of the cell. This pump is regulated by catecholamines, insulin, and the potassium level itself. The ability to rapidly shift potassium from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment is vital to prevent severe increases in the serum potassium from routine dietary ingestion.