Brain CO2 buffering capacity in respiratory acidosis and alkalosis.

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Abstract
The in vitro CO2 dissociation curve of dog brain after exposure to CO2 or following hypocapnia induced by mechanical hyperventilation was studied. After hypercapnia the brain CO2 dissociation curve shifted upward from that existing at PACO2 [artmal CO2 pressure] of 40 mm rig, and downward following hypocapnia. These shifts first became apparent 2 hr. after a new PACO2 had been established and were progressive thereafter. The extent of the shift varied directly with the PACO2 namely, the higher the PCO2 [CO2 pressure], the greater the shift to the left, and vice versa. Arterial and cisternal CSF [cerebrospinal fluid] pH, PCO2 and bicarbonate were also measured during 6 hr of 10% CO2 in O2 breathing and hypocapnia induced by mechanical hyperventilation. Greater pH compensatory tendencies were demonstrated in the cisternal CSF than in the arterial blood during hypocapnia and hypercapnia because of larger changes in the CSF bicarbonate concentration. Relationships between the CSF bicarbonate changes and brain CO2 buffering capacity shifts are discussed and likely mechanisms responsible for these alterations are presented.

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