chloride shift
Definition: when CO2 enters the blood from the tissues, it passes into the red blood cells and is converted by carbonate dehydratase to bicarbonate (HCO3−); HCO3− ion passes out into the plasma whereas Cl− migrates into the red blood cells. Reverse changes occur in the lungs when CO2 is eliminated from the blood.
Synonym(s): Hamburger phenomenon
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Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.
