It is a puzzling fact that PCO2 in the superficial renal cortex is much higher than in renal venous blood. Using a newly developed PCO2 electrode, the authors found the highest level of PCO2 in the first portion of the proximal tubule and concluded that this peak is caused by rapid bicarbonate reabsorption in this part of the tubule. To account fully for the large elevation in cortical PCO2, they postulate a countercurrent CO2 exchange between the arteries and veins in the kidney.
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