Intracellular buffering

Burton, R.F. (1978) Intracellular buffering. Respiration Physiology, 33(1), pp. 51-58. (doi: 10.1016/0034-5687(78)90083-X) (PMID:27854)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

In the quantification of buffering the distinct roles of bicarbonate and of other buffers must be taken into account. The determination of the total non-bicarbonate buffer value, βa, in intact tissues is complicated by active pH regulation and by heterogeneity of cytoplasm with respect to βa, while heterogeneity with respect to pH in vivo could cause errors in estimates made with homogenates. Available estimates of βa are discussed, as are the individual contributions of proteins, dipeptides and phosphates. A high βa is appropriate in cells which sometimes have high rates of glycolysis, or which buffer extracellular fluid, but non-protein buffer concentrations can be well below the limits imposed by osmolarity, perhaps because buffering can upset ionic gradients.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Burton, Dr Richard
Authors: Burton, R.F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Respiration Physiology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0034-5687

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record