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Objectives
By studying this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
Define the terms acid, base, and pH.
Discuss the principal ways that hydrogen ions are produced during exercise.
Discuss the importance of acid-base regulation to exercise performance.
List the principal intracellular and extracellular buffers.
Explain the role of respiration in the regulation of acid-base status during exercise.
Outline the interaction between intracellular/extracellular buffers and the respiratory system in acid-base regulation during exercise.
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Outline
Acids, Bases, and pH
Hydrogen Ion Production during Exercise
Importance of Acid-Base Regulation during Exercise
Acid-Base Buffer Systems
Respiratory Influence on Acid-Base Balance 283
Regulation of Acid-Base Balance via the Kidneys 284
Regulation of Acid-Base Balance during Exercise 285
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Key Terms
acid
acidosis
alkalosis
base
buffer
hydrogen ion
ion
pH
respiratory compensation
strong acids
strong bases
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An ion is any atom that is missing electrons or has gained electrons. A hydrogen ion is formed by the loss of the electron; molecules that release hydrogen ions are called acids. Substances that readily combine with hydrogen ions are termed bases. In physiology, the concentration of hydrogen ions in body fluids is expressed in pH units. The pH of body fluids must be regulated (i.e., normal arterial blood pH = 7.40 ± .02) in order to maintain acid-base homeostasis. This regulation of the pH of body fluids is important because changes in hydrogen ion concentrations can alter the rates of enzyme-controlled metabolic reactions and modify numerous other normal body functions. Therefore, acid-base balance is primarily concerned with the regulation of hydrogen ion concentrations. High-intensity exercise can present a serious challenge to hydrogen ion control systems due to hydrogen ion production, and hydrogen ions may limit performance in some types of intense activities (7, 9, 14, 16, 20). Therefore, given the potential detrimental influence of hydrogen ion accumulation on exercise performance, it is important to have an understanding of acid-base regulation.
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In biological systems, one of the simplest but most important ions is the hydrogen ion. The concentration of hydrogen ions influences the rates of chemical reactions, the shape and function of enzymes as well as other cellular proteins, and the integrity of the cell itself (10, 46).
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An acid is defined as a molecule that releases hydrogen ions and thus can raise the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution above that of pure water. In contrast, a base is a molecule that is capable of combining with hydrogen ions, which would lower the hydrogen ion concentration of the solution.
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Acids that give up hydrogen ions (ionize) more completely are called strong acids. For example, sulfuric acid is produced by the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids (e.g., ...