Bicarbonate versus Lactate Buffer in Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions: The Beneficial Effect on Rbc Metabolism

Abstract

This study provides evidence for a damaging action of lactate with respect to bicarbonate buffer on the RBC metabolism. This condition was demonstrated observing a cell energy depletion, which coincides in vitro with an acute EMP impairment; the lactate accumulation together with the consequent lowering of pHi seem to be responsible for this effect, which was not observed when bicarbonate was used instead of lactate.