Acid-base metabolism

Foley, W. J., McLean, S., and Cork, S. J. (1995). Consequences of biotransformation of plant secondary metabolites on acid-base metabolism in mammals a final common pathway Journal of Chemical Ecology 21,721-743. 

Lactic acid is the cause of one of many possible disorders in human acid-base metabolism. Lactic acidosis represents an accumulation of lactic acid in the blood and tissues. This condition gradually depletes the natural buffers in the body and there is a consequent lowering of pH. As described in the entry on Glycolysis, lactic acid is the end product til (hat pmcess. Lactic acid blood levels are determined by at least Tour factors. The rate of generation of lactic acid the rate of transport from tissues to plasma and from plasma to the liver (point of utilization of lactic acid) the rate uf utilization and excretion of lactic acid by the kidneys. Normally, all of these funclions are maintained in balance to give a normal blood lactate concentration of about I niFq/l. 

A high amount of bicarbonate is constantly being produced in the body. Degradation of 100 g protein yields approximately 1 mol bicarbonate (= 61 g). Bicarbonate neutralization takes place via the urea cycle too, as the synthesis of 1 mol urea requires 2 mol bicarbonate. Besides the lungs and kidneys, the liver therefore also plays an important role in acid-base metabolism and is partly responsible for pH homoeostasis. 

Physiology and Disorders of Water Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Metabolism ... 

Acid and base concentrations in living systems are carefully regulated to maintain conditions compatible with normal life. Biochemical reactions involving acids and bases occur in the body water, whereas buffer systems protect the body from significant variations in the concentrations of acids and bases. This chapter introduces basic concepts of the properties of water, acids, bases, and buffers, and Chapter 39 presents a detailed discussion of both normal and pathological aspects of acid-base metabolism. 

A3. Astrup, P., A new approach to acid base metabolism. Clin. Chem. 7, 1-15... 

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