Effects of an intravenous infusion of hydrochloric acid on renal function in sheep

Responses to an intravenous infusion of hydrochloric acid (150 mumol/min for three days), sufficient to induce mild acidosis, were studied in eight ewes. No changes in glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow were detected as blood and urine pH, plasma PCO2, plasma concentrations of hydrogencarbonate and inorganic phosphate were reduced by the acid infused. Urinary excretion of hydrogencarbonate was abolished while that of inorganic phosphate was slightly increased. The quantities of hydrogencarbonate and inorganic phosphate ions filtered and reabsorbed decreased whereas the proportion of the filtrate reabsorbed remained unaltered.