The
kidneys can have a direct influence on blood pH, by pushing hydrogen ions and
bicarbonate into and out of urine.
Regulation
of blood pH or acid-base homeostasis is maintained by kidneys. Kidneys regulate
pH by excreting hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3⁻)
from the urine. Acidosis (low blood pH) causes more
bicarbonate to be reabsorbed and in response to alkalosis (high blood pH) kidneys
excrete more bicarbonate.
