Alkaline Tide of the Alligator

Summary

The alkaline tide of the alligator has been studied. Although the plasma electrolyte changes were qualitatively similar to those reported for other animals the magnitude of these changes was much greater. Some plasma chloride levels as low as 15% of the fasting level were found and some plasma bicarbonates were elevated 5-fold. Although the average fasting blood pH is about 7.3, pH values of over 8 have been observed at the height of the “alkaline tide.” Plasma sodium concentrations were unaffected by feeding. No correlation was found between pH and plasma calcium content.