Blood acid-base state at a variable temperature. A graphical representation.

When blood temperature is changed in closed system ('anaerobic') conditions, plasma pH and PCO2 vary but no titration by external CO2, acid or alkaline equivalents takes place. It is therefore assumed that the overall acid-base state undergoes no fundamental change. This is further justified by the constancy of osmotic relationships between plasma and red cells, and to a lesser extent of relative alkalinity and protein alpha imidazole (Reeves, 1972, 1976a, b). These considerations serve as a basis for a correction procedure of pH and PCO2 of blood in open systems in vivo to a standard temperature T* (25 degrees C, eventually 37 degrees C). The temperature-corrected values pH* and PCO2, and the derived [HCO3] can be represented on a temperature-independent bicarbonate-pH diagram. This permits an easier interpretation of blood acid-base changes occurring together with body temperature variations, such as in ectotherms, hibernators or in artificial hypothermia. Extension to intracellular pH is considered.