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Out-of-equilibrium CO2/HCO3 solutions and their use in characterizing a new K/HCO3 cotransporter

Abstract

IN typical physiological solutions, CO2 is in equilibrium with HCO3 and H+ (CO2 + H2OHCO3 + H+). Because one cannot independently alter CO2 and HCO3 concentrations and pH, it is impossible to distinguish between the effects of CO2 and HCO3on physiological processes. Here we describe a continuous-flow, rapid-mixing approach for generating out-of-equilibrium CO2/ HCO3 solutions with a physiological pH and CO2 (but little HCO3), or pH and HCO3 (but little CO2). We have exploited these out-of-equilibrium solutions to introduce HCO3 exclusively to either the outside or inside of a squid giant axon, and verify the presence of a new K/HCO3 cotransporter. The out-of-equilibrium approach could be useful in a variety of applications for independently controlling CO2 and HCO3 concentrations and pH.

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Zhao, J., Hogan, E., Bevensee, M. et al. Out-of-equilibrium CO2/HCO3 solutions and their use in characterizing a new K/HCO3 cotransporter. Nature 374, 636–639 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/374636a0

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