Acid-Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

The normal pH of biological fluid is maintained in a narrow range. For example, the pH of the blood is maintained between 7.35-7.40, i.e. slightly alkaline. The changes in pH range will affect metabolic functions e.g. denaturation of proteins, enzyme activity etc. Thus, maintenance of pH is vital for normal physiological and biochemical functions of the body. The change of pH is due to the change of acid-base concentrations in the cell and biological fluids. Hence, the control and maintenance of acid-base balance is essential for the maintenance of pH.

Regulation of Acid-Base balance

The acid-base balance in the body is maintained by buffer system along with the functions of lungs and kidney.

Role of Lung

The first line of defense maintenance of pH is the control of extracellular concentrations of CO₂ and bicarbonate ions by the lungs. An increase in ventilation removes CO₂ from extracellular fluid which, in turn reduces hydrogen ion concentration. Conversely, decreased ventilation increases CO₂, thus increasing hydrogen ion concentration in the extracellular fluid. Both bicarbonate buffer system and hemoglobin buffer system of erythrocytes are important for the maintenance of pH by lungs.

When blood passes through capillaries of systemic circulation, carbonic acid is formed from diffused carbon dioxide and water by the action of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase within the erythrocytes. High carbonic acid concentration favors the dissociation of carbonic acid into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions within erythrocytes. The released H⁺ ions bind with deoxy haemoglobin whereas bicarbonate ions diffuse out of erythrocytes into plasma. Thus haemoglobin reduces H⁺ ions within erythrocytes in tissues.

When blood reaches pulmonary capillaries, deoxyhemoglobin is converted into oxyhemoglobin. The hydrogen ions are released from hemoglobin because oxyhemoglobin has a weaker affinity for H⁺ ions. Due to this, bicarbonate ions diffuse into erythrocytes which, in turn combine with H⁺ ions and form carbonic acid. At low partial pressure of carbon dioxide, carbonic anhydrase converts carbonic acid into carbon dioxide and water within erythrocytes. Thus, bicarbonate ions reduce H⁺ ions in lungs.

Role of Kidney

The kidney maintains pH by excreting either acidic or basic urine. Excretion of acidic urine increases pH whereas basic urine excretion decreases pH in extracellular fluid. Large amount of H⁺ ions are secreted into the tubular lumen by tubular epithelial cells. If they are removed in urine, they will increase the pH of extracellular fluid. Large amount of bicarbonate ions are also continuously secreted in the renal tubules. If they are excreted in urine, then they reduce pH by retaining H⁺ ions. If more hydrogen ions are removed than bicarbonate ions, then there will be a net loss of acid, whereas, if more bicarbonate ions are filtered than hydrogen ions are secreted, then there will be a net loss of base. These functions are achieved by mainly three components, namely, bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system and ammonia. The role of these components are as follows:

Bicarbonate buffer system in kidney

The bicarbonate ions, freely filtered through glomerulus, combine with hydrogen ions and form carbonic acid which, in turn, dissociates into carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide then diffuses into tubular cells where it again combines with water to form carbonic acid in the presence of carbonic anhydrase. Thus, bicarbonate and hydrogen ions are reabsorbed and retained. This pattern of H⁺ ion secretion occurs in proximal convoluted tubule, ascending loop of Henle and early part of distal convoluted tubule.

Phosphate buffer system in kidney

After the absorption of available bicarbonate ions in tubular filtrate, remaining hydrogen ions interact with HPO²₄^- or NaHPO ^–₄ and form H₂PO₄^– or NaH₂PO₄ which can be excreted in urine. Thus, hydrogen ions are removed from extracellular fluid.

Ammonium buffer system in kidney

Ammonia produced from glutamine in tubular epithelial cells, can freely diffuse into tubular lumen. This ammonia then combines with hydrogen ions to form ammonium ions which can be easily excreted in urine. Thus, hydrogen ions are removed from extracellular fluid.

Key Concept

Increased level of carbonic acid or decreased level of bicarbonate ion results in acidosis. Decreased level of carbonic acid or increased level of bicarbonate ion results in alkalosis.