The Renal Metabolism of Citric Acid

The Renal Metabolism of Citric Acid in Renal Tubular Acidosis

“…The renal metabolism measured as oxygen con-sumption was normal in this patient, indicating a normal metabolism of citric acid (1). Normalisation of citrate excretion after correction of the acidosis supports the view that changes in intracellular pH are responsible for the altered urinary excretion of citrate.…”

“…Citrate clearance is normally 35 ml/min+ 14 (1). Citrate clearance in this patient varied from a significantly decreased value in acidosis to a low value within the normal range after correction of the acidosis.…”

“…The renal citrate utilisation was calculated in accordance with Herndon et al (4). Methods used for the determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were as previously described (1).…”

“…The reason for decreased citrate excretion was apparently increased tubular reabsorption of citrate. About 70% of filtered citrate is normally reabsorbed (1). During acidosis the tubular reabsorption of citrate varied between 95 and 87 % .…”