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"Physiologic" intracellular acidosis in pregnancy
O Bardicef1, M Bardicef, Y Sorokin
1Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Pregnancy is associated with a lower intracellular pH in red blood cells, a condition known as physiologic intracellular acidosis. This change may enhance oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Obstetrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acid-base balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis during pregnancy.
- Understanding maternal physiological adaptations is key to ensuring fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in acid-base homeostasis during pregnancy.
- To measure intracellular pH in erythrocytes of pregnant and nonpregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Utilized phosphorus 31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS).
- Measured intracellular pH in red blood cells (erythrocytes).
- Compared measurements between nonpregnant controls and third-trimester pregnant women.
Main Results:
- Intracellular pH was significantly lower in third-trimester pregnant women (7.23 ± 0.015) compared to nonpregnant controls (7.29 ± 0.012).
- A statistically significant difference (p = 0.003) was observed, indicating a mild intracellular acidosis in pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy is characterized by a 'physiologic' intracellular acidosis.
- This acidosis is hypothesized to facilitate oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation.
- Enhanced oxygen delivery across the placenta is a potential consequence of this adaptation.