The apparent buffer value of human blood for CO2 as a function of temperature

The influence of temperature on the acid-base status of normal human deoxygenated whole blood was studied in open systems (variable total CO2 content). (1) When the temperature was raised from 26 degrees C to 42 degrees C, the apparent buffering value of deoxygenated whole blood for CO2 increased by 7% of its value at 26 degrees C; this increase was not statistically significant. (2) Comparing the present data with those obtained previously from oxygenated whole blood in the same temperature range (Castaing & Pocidalo, 1979) indicates that arterial and venous blood have slightly different buffering capacities for CO2 in the 26 to 42 degrees C temperature range. It also suggests that, at physiological SO2 levels (SO2 greater than or equal to 30%), the apparent buffering value of venous blood for CO2 would be increased by at least 10% of its value at 26 degrees C when the temperature is raised to 42 degrees C. (3) It is concluded that pH stability would be reduced upon CO2 uptake within tissues with a high metabolism and therefore a high temperature.