Metabolic Acidosis in the Alligator. ∗

Summary

Sympathomimetic agents produce a severe lactate acidemia in the alligator. Although the lactate concentration often exceeded the initial alkali reserve, over 90% survived by withdrawing sodium from sources outside the extracellular fluid. The extracellular osmotic pressure rose sharply during the acute acidotic phase and fell when the lactate was metabolized. There was no evidence that K contributed to the defense against this acidemia.