Blood pH regulation

Blood pH regulation refers to the complex physiological processes that maintain the hydrogen ion concentration in arterial blood within the narrow range of approximately 7.35–7.45. This is achieved through three main mechanisms: chemical buffer systems (primarily the bicarbonate buffer system), respiratory control via modulation of carbon dioxide exhalation by the lungs, and renal control through excretion or reabsorption of acids/bases by the kidneys. These mechanisms act at different speeds—buffers respond within seconds to minutes; respiratory adjustments occur over minutes; renal compensation takes hours to days[1][2][5][6]. The maintenance of proper blood pH is essential for normal cellular metabolism and enzyme function. Disruption can result in acidosis or alkalosis with significant clinical consequences. Note: "Blood pH regulation" does not refer to any single protein/gene/molecule/receptor/enzyme/transporter but rather describes an integrated physiological process involving multiple organs (lungs, kidneys), chemical buffers (bicarbonate/carbonic acid system), proteins (hemoglobin), and ions. It cannot be mapped onto canonical molecular target fields as requested because it is not itself a therapeutic target nor does it have an abbreviation or aliases typical for molecules/receptors/enzymes/transporters[1][2][5].

Other names

Blood acid-base balanceAcid–base homeostasispH homeostasisRegulation of blood pH