Plasma, Extracellular and Muscle Electrolyte Responses to Acute Metabolic Acidosis

Nephrectomized cats were infused with hydrochloric acid in loads of from 3.5–9.6 mEq/kg. Extracellular moderation of the acidosis calculated from concentrations of electrolytes in plasma and inulin volumes of distribution was proportioned as follows: 35% by Na and 5% by K entering the ECS, and 20% by Cl and 24% by CO2 leaving the ECS. Calculated from changes in the chloride spaces, Na shift moderated 58%, CO2 22% and K 6% of the acid load. Sodium rather than potassium appeared to be the main extracellular moderator of acidosis under the conditions of these experiments. Direct muscle analyses showed a fall in intracellular Na and probably of K in response to extracellular acidosis. It is suggested that Ki is not inversely related to extracellular ph. Calculated intracellular ph remained constant during the acidosis, indicating that cells may maintain a constant acid-base environment despite marked fluctuations of extracellular ph and that unmeasured mechanisms are responsible.