[Changes in total acid-base equilibrium following administration of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Experimental studies in the nephrectomized rat in vivo].

We investigated the influence of 50, 200 and 500 mg per kg body weight acetazolamide on the whole-body acid-base status of nephrectomised Sprague-Dawley rats. Intracellular pH (pHi) of liver, brain, heart and two skeletal muscle groups was determined from the distribution of 14C-labelled DMO (5.5.dimethyl-2.4-oxazolidinedione). It was found that compared to a control group an increasing extracellular acidosis was followed by a similar disturbance in liver, brain, and heart, respectively. A significant decrease of pHi in skeletal muscle was found only in severe acidosis. Whereas the bicarbonate concentration in the extracellular compartment, liver, brain, and heart decreased with increasing acidosis, it increased in the two investigated skeletal muscle groups. The results led to the assumption that acetazolamide may be used successfully in treating severe metabolic alkalosis, although further experimental and clinical research appears necessary.