The role of sodium, potassium and water in the hypo-osmotic states of heart failure

Abstract

The ability of malignant tumors, particularly small cell carcinomas of the lung (SCCL), to produce a hyponatremic state from inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) has been known for more than three decades. Much has been learned about the ability of these tumors to produce the neurohypophyseal peptides vasopressin, oxytocin, and their associated neurophysins. Measurement of plasma levels of these peptides can provide important information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies, particularly SCCL. Research efforts are currently directed at developing radioactive neurophysin antibodies to localize and possibly treat these lesions.