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pH Homeostasis

pH Homeostasis

Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because it is critical for the optimal activity of enzymes involved in metabolic reactions. Enzymes are basically proteins, so, any significant change in pH can affect their structure and activity. In humans, pH is regulated using three primary mechanisms— chemical buffer systems, respiratory regulation, and renal regulation.
Respiratory...

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...

Acid-Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

pH

The potential of hydrogen (pH) is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a water-based solution determined by the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+). In one liter of pure water at neutral pH, there are 1×10−7 moles of hydronium ions. However, the extensive range of hydronium ion concentrations present in water-based solutions makes measuring pH in moles cumbersome. Therefore, a pH scale was developed to convert moles of hydronium ions into the negative logarithm of the hydronium...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Real-Time, Semi-Automated Fluorescent Measurement of the Airway Surface Liquid pH of Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Real-Time, Semi-Automated Fluorescent Measurement of the Airway Surface Liquid pH of Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Published on: June 13, 2019

Blood pH and COVID-19.

Mahmoud Fahmi Elsebai¹, El-Sayed E Habib²

¹Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Archiv Der Pharmazie

|January 23, 2023

Summary

Maintaining alkaline blood pH may help combat COVID-19. Acidic blood promotes SARS-CoV-2 proliferation and worsens disease severity, while correcting pH supports immunity and hinders viral entry.

Keywords:

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 acidemia bicarbonate blood pH immunity

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Last Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Real-Time, Semi-Automated Fluorescent Measurement of the Airway Surface Liquid pH of Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells

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Published on: June 13, 2019

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Published on: March 17, 2023

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Immunology
Virology

Background:

Human blood pH is critical for cellular metabolism, normal physiology, and immune function.
Disruptions in blood pH, particularly acidemia, are linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
Acidemia exacerbates COVID-19 severity by facilitating SARS-CoV-2 proliferation and impairing immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential of modulating blood pH as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
To explore the role of acid-base balance in SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression.

Main Methods:

Literature review on acid-base balance and its physiological implications.
Analysis of the relationship between blood pH and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.
Examination of the impact of acidemia on immune response and disease severity.

Main Results:

SARS-CoV-2 thrives in acidic blood environments, leading to amplified COVID-19 severity.
Acidemia negatively impacts immunity, particularly in vulnerable populations and those with comorbidities.
Correcting acid-base balance may disrupt the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 receptors.

Conclusions:

Modulating blood pH towards alkalinity presents a potential therapeutic avenue for COVID-19 treatment.
Restoring acid-base balance could enhance immune function and impede viral progression.
Targeting blood pH may offer a novel strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.