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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Sedimentation Equilibrium of a Small Oligomer-forming Membrane Protein: Effect of Histidine Protonation on Pentameric Stability
Published on: April 2, 2015
Serum proteins and acid-base equilibria: a follow-up
This study revises a blood plasma acid-base model using histidine pK values from human serum albumin. This enables quantification of key variables for acid-base balance and evaluation of metabolic acidosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate assessment of acid-base balance in blood plasma is crucial for clinical diagnosis.
- Existing models may not fully capture the complex interactions influencing plasma pH.
- Human serum albumin's role in buffering requires precise characterization of its acid-base properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise a mathematical model of blood plasma acid-base behavior.
- To incorporate specific pK values of histidine residues on human serum albumin.
- To develop a novel method for evaluating the strong ion difference and understanding metabolic acidosis.
Main Methods:
- Revision of a mathematical model for blood plasma acid-base.
- Determination of pK values for individual histidine residues on human serum albumin using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Development of a method to quantify independent variables determining acid-base balance.
Main Results:
- The revised model successfully incorporates NMR-derived pK values of human serum albumin histidine residues.
- A new method for evaluating the strong ion difference has been established.
- Quantification of independent variables (pH, PCO2, albumin, phosphate) is achievable.
- Potential for exploring "unidentified anions" in metabolic acidosis.
Conclusions:
- The revised mathematical model provides a more accurate representation of blood plasma acid-base behavior.
- The developed method offers a robust approach to assess acid-base status and strong ion difference.
- This work facilitates a deeper understanding of metabolic acidosis and the role of "unidentified anions".
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