pH, the symbol for "hydrogen-ion concentration", is a series of dimensionless "units" that have only general significance. The author shows that, when considered on the basis of the relationship to oxidation-reduction, the relative significance of any pair of coordinates becomes more significant. However, the theoretical relationship as currently accepted by the Nernst equation, i.e. a shift of 59.1 milivolts for each shift of 1.0 pH, does not apply to macromolecular systems, such as in vivo. The author solved this difficulty by plotting the corrdinates graphically by bisecting pH relationships at 7.0 and oxidation-reduction relationships at Eh 0.0 milivolts, forming four quadrants. With this scheme the significance of any pair of coordinates can be readily recognized. The application of this method to biology and medicine is shown in the companion paper "pH and Eh relationships in the body".

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗

PubMedDate not supplied

pH and Eh relationships in the body.

This report concerns application of the graphical method for representing pH and Eh relationships in macromolecular systems (see previous paper) to in vivo studies. The author presents reasons for concluding that controlled measurements of urine are satisfactory indicators of changes in pH and Eh in the body whereas blood studies remain relatively constant. The original concept had to be modified because of two little known "reversing phenomena". One is well known to physicians as the "acid rebound" because of the acid reaction of urine when an excess of a base is administered. This is a paradox because it would be expected to be more alkaline. The second phenomenon occurs following hyperoxidation, such as in narcotic addiction, and results in reduction. Both hyperalkalinity and hyperoxidation result in an acid reaction. The author concludes that they are phases of a single phenomenon. It is the basis for "Chapman's law": Unfavorable effects on the body cause the urine pH and Eh to shift away from normal whereas favorable effects cause them to shift toward normal.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗