Effects of Acid-Base Alterations on Cerebrospinal Fluid Production

Summary

Cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid formation rates were measured by ventriculocisternal perfusion with an inulin containing buffer during metabolic acidosis and alkalosis and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis in dogs. Some of the animals also received acetazolamide, 50 mg/kg, intravenously during the acid-base alteration. It was found that metabolic and respiratory acidosis had no constant effect on CSF production rates. Metabolic alkalosis reduced CSF production 23% and respiratory alkalosis reduced it 46%. The addition of acetazolamide during metabolic acidosis and alkalosis as well as during respiratory alkalosis caused a significant decrease in CSF production rates as compared to production during the periods of acid-base alterations alone.