Relative effects of systemic pH, PCO2, and bicarbonate concentration on ileal ion transport

To determine the relative effects of systemic pH, CO2 tension (PCO2), and bicarbonate concentration on ileal electrolyte transport, states of acute metabolic acidosis and alkalosis were created in Sprague-Dawley rats by gavage feeding (NH4)2SO4 and NaHCO3, respectively. During in situ perfusion of the ileum in anesthetized animals, electrolyte transport was measured before and after respiratory compensation of the systemic pH. Acute respiratory acidosis and alkalosis also were studied by ventilating animals with 0, 3, or 8% CO2. When animals in all groups were considered, net sodium absorption correlated very well with blood pH (r = -0.97). Net bicarbonate secretion correlated with the plasma bicarbonate concentration (r = 0.91) independently of blood pH and PCO2. Net chloride absorption correlated with blood PCO2 (r = 0.92) and was altered when systemic pH and bicarbonate concentration changed in opposite directions. Alterations in luminal pH and PCO2 did not affect electrolyte transport. These results suggest that systemic pH affects a sodium chloride absorptive process and that the plasma bicarbonate concentration affects a chloride absorptive-bicarbonate secretory exchange process in the rat ileum.