Lecture 10 - Acid Base Balance Flashcards
Why are metabolic reactions very sensitive to the pH of the fluid in which they occur?
Due to high reactivity of H ions with negative proteins –> changes in configuration and function
What is the normal pH of arteralised blood?
7.4
What kind of ions contribute to pH?
Only free H ions
What are the sources of H in the body?
Respiratory acid Metabolic acid
How does respiratory acid form?
CO2 + H2O H2CO3 H + HCO3 But formation of carbonic acid not usually net contributor to increased acid because increase in production leads to increased ventilation
How are metabolic acids formed?
From inorganic ions, e.g. S containing AAs –> H2SO4 and phosphoric acid is produced from phospholipids Organic acids - fatty acids, lactic acid
What is a major source of alkali in the body?
Oxidation of organic anions, e.g. citrate
What are the function of buffers?
Minimise changes in pH when H ions are added/removed
What is the most important extracellular buffer?
Bicarbonate
What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation?
pH varies with [HCO3-]/ PCO2
What is the bicarbonate buffer system?
—> incH+ + HCO3- H2CO3 H2O CO2 Increased ECF H+ drives reaction to the right, so additional H ions removed and pH is normalised
Explain why the bicarbonate buffer system is no ordinary buffer system and why when there is increased products, the reaction doesn’t reach a new equilibrium position?
Because CO2 is released by ventilation, so this continues a pull to the right
Elimination of H from the body is done by what organ?
Kidneys
What is H ion elimination coupled with?
Regulation of plasma bicarbonate
pH varies with what?
Bicarbonate/PCO2 (renal/respiratory regulation)
What are 2 other buffers in the ECF?
Plasma proteins - Pr- + H+ HPr Diphasic phosphate (HPO4)2- + H+ H2PO4- monobasic phosphate
What are the primary intracellular buffers?
Proteins, organic and inorganic phosphates
What is the primary buffer in erythrocytes?
Haemoglobin
Why does binding of H ions by ICF buffers cause changes in plasma electrolytes?
Since to maintain electrochemical neurality, movement of H must be accompanied by Cl as in red cells or exchanged for a cation, K
Why can acidosis lead to VF and death?
Movement of K out of cells into plasma can –> hyperkalaemia –> depolarisation of excitable tissues
What additional store of buffer does bone have?
Bone carbonate (important in chronic acid loads e.g. CRF –> wasting of bones)
How does the body form bicarbonate?
Within cells, CO2 –> H2CO3 in the presence of
What organ regulates bicarbonate concentration?
Kidneys
How do the kidneys regulate bicarbonate concentration?
a. Reabsorbing filtered HCO3 b. Generating new HCO3
What is the mechanism by which HCO3 is reabsorbed in the kidneys?
A. Active H secretion from tubule cells B. Coupled to passive Na reabsorption C. Filtered HCO3 reacts with secreted H –> H2CO3, carbonic anhydrase on luminal membrane converts this into H2O and CO2 D. CO2 freely permeable + enters cell E. Within the cell, CO2 –> H2CO3 (in presence of carbonic anhydrase) which dissociates to form H and HCO3 F. Hydrogen ions are source of secreted H G. Bicarbonate passes into peritubular capillaries with the Na
Where does the bulk of the bicarbonate reabsorption occur?
Proximal tubule
Is there a net excretion of H ions during bicarbonate reabsorption?
No!
How much H is usually produced per day by the body?
50-100mmoles
If H was present as free H ions in the urine what would happen?
pH of urine would be very low and it would be very uncomfortable