A respiratory acidosis that results in an increase in the concentration of hydrogen ion in arterial blood from 40 meq\L (PH 7.4) to 50 meq\L (PH 7.3) would
A. Stimulate the peripheral chemoreceptorsB. Decrease the amount of ammonium excreted in the urine
C. Inhibit the central chemoreceptors
D. Increase the pH of the urine
The Answer is A. Increasing
arterial pH stimulates both the central and peripheral chemoreceptors. The
increased arterial hydrogen ion concentration increases H+ secretion by the
distal tubule, lowering the pH of the urine and increasing the excretion of NH+4
excretions. The excretion of H+ is accompanied by the generation of new
bicarbonate, causing the plasma HCO3- to increase.
