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The Journal of Experimental Biology 205, 641-650 (2002)
© 2002 The Company of Biologists Limited

Evolutionary determinants of normal arterial plasma pH in ectothermic vertebrates

Richard F. Burton*

Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Thomson Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK

*e-mail: R.F.Burton{at}bio.gla.ac.uk

Accepted 17 December 2001

Mean values of normal arterial pH in different species of fish, amphibians and reptiles at 15 and 25°C, taken from the literature, are negatively correlated with arterial PCO2 and plasma [Na+]. At either temperature, the data accord with the hypothesis that extracellular acid–base homeostasis evolved to maintain an optimal pH at particular cell-surface sites that are similar in all species. These hypothetical sites bear fixed negative charges that attract H+, but which are partially screened by Na+; for the surface pH to be constant, the bulk interstitial pH should then vary inversely with [Na+], as is the case. At the same time, the bulk interstitial fluid must be more acid than arterial plasma by an amount that increases with decreasing arterial PCO2. With allowance made for additional screening by Ca2+ and Mg2+, the relevant cell-surface pH is probably approximately 6.2.

Key words: acid–base balance, arterial pH, plasma pH, interstitial pH, vertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, carbon dioxide tension, plasma [Na+], alphastat.


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R. F. Burton
Temperature and acid--base balance in ectothermic vertebrates: the imidazole alphastat hypotheses and beyond
J. Exp. Biol., December 1, 2002; 205(23): 3587 - 3600.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2002