CSF HCO3- regulation in isosmotic conditions: the role of brain PCO2 and plasma HCO3-.

We have studied in anesthetized cats the response of CSF HCO3- to (1) an increase in CSF PCO2, plasma HCO3- controlled at the normal value; (2) an increase in plasma HCO3-, CSF PCO2 controlled at the normal value; and (3) an increase in both CSF PCO2 and plasma HCO3-. Plasma HCO3- was controlled via HCO3-/Cl- exchange without altering plasma Na concentration or osmolarity using the technique of peritoneal dialysis. The results suggest that CSF HCO3- regulation in these conditions is dependent on (1) a PCO2-dependent process in which HCO3- ions are formed in brain cells or choroid plexus and (2) an ionic movement of HCO3- from plasma to CSF dependent on an increase in plasma HCO3-. The first process is largely completed by 3 hours; the second takes 6 hours or more. An analysis of plasma and CSF HCO3-, Cl- and unmeasured anions (UA), (Na+ + K+ -CL- -HCO3-), suggests that CSF HCO3- regulation may be complex involving ionic exchanges of three or more anions between brain extracellular fluid, plasma and brain cells.