Distribution of H+ and HCO3 minus between CSF and blood during respiratory acidosis in dogs

To evaluate the regulation of (H+) and (HCO3 minus) in brain extracellular fluid during respiratory acidosis, the changes in cisternal and lumbar CSF acid-base state were assessed in six anteshetized, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated dogs rendered hypercapnic by increase in FIco2. Arterial (HCO3 minus) was held constant. The electrochemical potential difference (mu) between CSF and blood for H+ and HCO3 minus was calculated from values for (H+) and (HCO3 minus) in CSF and arterial plasma and the simultaneously measured CSF/plasma DC potential difference. Measurements were made at pHa equal to 7.40, after stable arterial values of pHa of about 7.2 were attained and 3, 4.5, and 6 h thereafter. A steady state for ion distribution was attained by 4.5 h. Values of mu for H+ and HCO3 minus at 6 h had returned to +0.7 and minus 0.7 mV of control for cisternal CSF and +1.3 and minus 0.6 mV of control for lumbar CSF. The attainment of steady-state values for mu close to control is comparable with passive distribution of these ions between CSF and blood.