ACID/BASE BALANCE

D. C. Mikulecky

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS CAN BE PROTON DONORS OR ACCEPTORS PROTON DONORS ARE ACIDS PROTON ACCEPTORS ARE BASES ACIDS AND BASES REACT TO NEUTRALIZE EACH OTHER FORMING SALTS

ACID/BASE REACTIONS

HCl + NaOH
ACID + BASE

NaCl + H2O
SALT + WATER

ACID/BASE BALANCE AND THE BLOOD

[OH -] [H+] Acidic Neutral Alkaline (Basic) 7 7.4
Normal 7.35-7.45

pH
0
Venous Blood

Arterial Blood

14

Acidosis 6.8

Alkalosis 8.0

CHEMICAL BUFFER SYSTEMS

Unbuffered Salt Solution Add HCl Na+ ClAll protons are free H+ Na+ ClCl-

H2CO3: HCO3- Buffer H2CO3 HCO3H+ Add HCl

Protons taken up as Carbonic Acid

H2CO3
HCO3+

H+

CHEMICAL BUFFER SYSTEMS

Weak acid/salt systems act as a sponge for protons As acidity tends to increase they take protons up As acidity tends to decrease they release protons

CHEMICAL BUFFER SYSTEMS

Carbonic acid/Bicarbonate: Primary buffer against non-carbonic acid changes Proteins: Primary ICF buffer, also ECF Hemoglobin: Primary buffer against carbonic acid changes Phosphate: Urinary buffer, also ICF

ROLE OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN ACID/BASE BALANCE

Alterations in ventilation alter the rate of excretion of carbon dioxide Alterations in the rate of carbon dioxide excretion cause alterations in pH through carbonic acid This way the respiratory system can help control non-respiratory acidosis and alkalosis

Sources of acidosis
Metabolic: Severe diarrhea, Diabetes mellitus, strenuous exercise, uremia Respiratory: hypoventilation

Sources of alkalosis
Metabolic: Vomiting, ingestion of alkaline drugs Respiratory: hyperventilation

Renal regulation of blood acidity

Proton excretion Bicarbonate excretion

Ammonia secretion