Changes in Brain pH Response to CO2 after Prolonged Hypoxic Hyperventilation

Abstract

Using a new method of determining the CO2 titration curve of brain homogenate, the CO2 titration curves of brain homogenate were detd. for 10 guinea pigs which had been exposed to hypoxic hyperventilation for 24 hrs. and for 10 normal guinea pigs. A given pCO2 produced a lower pH in the brain homogenate of the hyperventilated animals than it did in the controls. This reduction in the buffering ability of the brain for CO2 following prolonged hyperventilation may be the mechanism by which the increased sensitivity of the respiratory center to CO2 following such prolonged hypocapnia is brought about.