EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM ON RENAL TUBULAR REABSORPTION OF BICARBONATE 12

Abstract

The renal tubular reabsorption of base bound bicarbonate was shown to be increased in patients with hypokalemic alkalosis. Increased bicarbonate reabsorption could not be accounted for by an elevation in plasma pCO2 or a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Experiments carried out on dogs showed that the enhanced renal bicarbonate reabsorption occurring in respiratory acidosis is returned to normal by the simultaneous administration of sufficient KC1. Indirect evidence is presented that a relative change in pH within the renal tubular cell may be the common denominator by which alterations in K and pCO2 affect bicarbonate reabsorption.