Quick question of buffering action of bicarbonate in acidosis?

[sameeralord]

Hello everyone,

Bicarbonate concentration reduces in acidosis. My question is where actually does this buffering take place and why it reduces?Do Hydrogen ions move into cells (like red blood cells), where they are buffered by bicarbonate. I'm talking about this reaction that occurs inside cells

CO2 + H20 <-> H2CO3<-> H+ + HCO3-

If this is the case why does bicarbonate in extracellular fluid decrease. Is it because the reaction I mentioned above occurs, in reverse direction and there is less efflux of bicarbonate from cells. Also does bicarbonate from extracellular fluid move into cells, to carry out this reaction.

or

Are hydrogen ions buffered in extracellular fluid by bicarbonate. Does the same reaction occur in extracellular fluid as well.

Thank you

 

[bobze]

Hello everyone,

Bicarbonate concentration reduces in acidosis. My question is where actually does this buffering take place and why it reduces?Do Hydrogen ions move into cells (like red blood cells), where they are buffered by bicarbonate. I'm talking about this reaction that occurs inside cells

CO2 + H20 <-> H2CO3<-> H+ + HCO3-

If this is the case why does bicarbonate in extracellular fluid decrease. Is it because the reaction I mentioned above occurs, in reverse direction and there is less efflux of bicarbonate from cells. Also does bicarbonate from extracellular fluid move into cells, to carry out this reaction.

or

Are hydrogen ions buffered in extracellular fluid by bicarbonate. Does the same reaction occur in extracellular fluid as well.

Thank you

Draw a little picture of how this reaction happens across RBC membranes. Then think like Le Châtelier did.

 

[sameeralord]

Draw a little picture of how this reaction happens across RBC membranes. Then think like Le Châtelier did.

Hello Bobze. I understand how reaction would go to left and buffer but that is not what I'm asking. Is this happening in extracellular fluid or intracellular fluid? I think you read the topic in a hurry.

 

[SW VandeCarr]

Hello Bobze. I understand how reaction would go to left and buffer but that is not what I'm asking. Is this happening in extracellular fluid or intracellular fluid? I think you read the topic in a hurry.

Both, although the intracellular processes are less well understood.

http://www.anaesthesiamcq.com/AcidBaseBook/ab2_6.php

Proteins and phosphates play a much larger role in buffering in the ICF than in the ECF but bicarbonate buffering also occurs in the ICF.

Secondly, metabolic pathways in the cell can adjust the production of acids to compensate for changes in intracellular pH.

Thirdly, mitochondria and lysosomes can sequester or release H ions by mechanisms that are not fully understood.

 

[LudusRex]

Hello,

The buffering action of bicarbonate in acidosis occurs in both the extracellular fluid and within cells. In the extracellular fluid, bicarbonate acts as a buffer by binding to excess hydrogen ions, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. This reaction helps to maintain the pH of the extracellular fluid within a normal range.

Within cells, bicarbonate also plays a role in buffering excess hydrogen ions. As you mentioned, the reaction between carbon dioxide and water occurs in reverse within cells, with bicarbonate acting as a buffer for excess hydrogen ions. This allows for the removal of excess hydrogen ions from the cell, helping to maintain the cell's internal pH.

The decrease in bicarbonate concentration in acidosis can occur due to several reasons. One possibility is that there is an increase in the production of carbon dioxide, which leads to an increase in the formation of carbonic acid and subsequent breakdown into water and carbon dioxide. This results in a decrease in bicarbonate levels. Additionally, if there is a decrease in bicarbonate production or an increase in bicarbonate loss from the body, this can also contribute to a decrease in bicarbonate levels.

In summary, bicarbonate plays a crucial role in buffering excess hydrogen ions in both the extracellular fluid and within cells. This helps to maintain the body's pH balance and prevent acidosis. I hope this helps to answer your question.