Changes in blood pH in rats after infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Acid-base alterations in Streptococcus pneumoniae infection were studied in 80 male albino rats. Hematocrit and concentrations of plasma electrolytes, glucose, and total protein were also measured. At 3-h intervals throughout a 27-h study, four control and four infected rats were anesthetized with ether, and blood samples were taken. Arterial blood pH, Po2, and hematocrit increased in the infected group, whereas arterial Pco2, HCO3-, and venous Po2 decreased. Plasma K+ concentration increased slightly and glucose levels decreased in the infected rats as the sepsis progressed. No significant changes were observed in venous blood pH, HCO3-, and Pco2. Plasma Na+, Cl-, and total protein remained unchanged. The increase in arterial blood pH and decrease in arterial Pco2 and HCO3- indicated respiratory alkalosis, which was present in rats infected with S. pneumoniae.
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000032:analysis; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001831:Body Temperature; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000276:immunology*
D001639:Bicarbonates