Acid base balance 1+2 Flashcards
Why are metabolic reactions sensitive to the pH in which they occur?
hydrogen react with proteins (especially enzymes)to change configuration and function
Normal arterial blood pH
7.4
Source of respiratory acid
CO2+H2O -> H2CO3 -> H+ + HCO3-
When does problems with respiratory acid arise?
lung function impaired
2 sources of metabolic acid
organic eg sulphur containing amino acids, sulphuric and phosphoric acid
inorganic eg FA, lactic acid
How much H+ do we gain from our diet every day?
50-100mmoles
Where is our major source of alkali?
oxidation of anions eg citrate
Role of buffers
minimise changes in pH when H+ is added or removed
Main extracellular buffer
bicarbonate
How much more bicarbonate do you need than carbonic acid?
20 times
What does bicarbonate quantity depend on?
CO2 dissolved in plasma which depends on solubility and PCO2
Normal values for
a - pH
b - PCO2
3 - HCO3
7.4
40mmHg
24 mmoles
What is the unique importance of bicarbonate buffer?
does not reach new equilibrium
will increase or decrease ventilation to increase or decrease H+
Does bicarbonate buffering remove H+ from body?
no - just prevent free H+ contributing to pH
Aim of acid/base balance
arterial pH protected
What organ excretes H+ from the body?
kidneys
What is HCO3 and PCO2 under regulation of?
HCO3 - renal regulation
PCO2 - respiratory regulation
List 2 other types of buffers in ECF
plasma proteins
dibasic phosphate
List some intracellular buffers
Haemoglobin in RBC, proteins, organic and inorganic phosphates
What do ICF buffers do and what is the consequence of this?
change electrolyte balance
H+ movement accompanied by Cl- (RBC) or exchanged for K+
In acidosis what happens to potassium?
moved out of cells - hyperkalaemia
Why is there bone wasting in chronic renal failure?
bone carbonate is an extra source of buffer
For metabolic acid where is most of it buffered?
in cells
For respiratory acid where is most of it buffered?
in cells - 97% - Hb
Name 2 ways kidney regulates HCO3-
reabsorbing filtered HCO3-
Generating new HCO3-
What does kidney regulation of HCO3- depend on?
Active H+ secretion from tubule cells into lumen
What enzyme helps convert carbonic acid to CO2+H2O?
carbonic anhydrase
Where does the bulk of HCO3- reabsorption occur?
proximal tubule
Is there H+ excretion in HCO3- reabsorption?
no
Why is the HCO3- reabsorbed not the same as the HCO3- filtered?
large charged molecule changed to CO2 to save the buffer
net effect is still the same