The Effects of pH Change on Renal Ammoniagenesis in Vitro 1

Abstract

Summary

Despite similar ammonia production at pH 7.0 and 7.8 by rat kidney slices, greater glutamate accumulation at pH 7.8 suggests that renal glutamine metabolism differs at these 2 pHs. Based on a number of observations, we conclude that there is greater glutamine deamidation at pH 7.8 which is balanced by a greater deamination of formed glutamate at pH 7.0. Since glutamine and glutamate concentrations are decreased in the kidneys of acidotic rats, other factors besides pH and HCO₃ -concentrations must modify deamidation, whereas, pH and HCO₃ concentrations may have a decided effect in lowering glutamate concentrations via enhanced deamination.