Variations in the pH and Bicarbonate of the Plasma and of the Alveolar CO2 during Forced Breathing

Abstract

Forced breathing for 10-15 min. changes the PH of the blood from 7.60 to 7.80 or 7.84. Return to normal requires only 5 min. The alteration in ph was found to correspond with alteration in plasma bicarbonate concentration and alveolar CO2 tension. During an experiment lasting 1 hr., 0.357 gm. of bicarbonate was excreted in the urine. All the experiments were carried out from 1/2 to 2 1/2 hrs. after meals.