Question

The diffusion of bicarbonate ions from RBCs into plasma and of chloride ions from plasma into RBCs to maintain ionic balance between RBCs and plasma is known as
(1) Henry's rule
(2) Chloride shift
(3) Charle's law
(4) Hamburger's phenomenon

• A. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
• B. 1 and 2 are correct
• C. 2 and 4 are correct
• D. 1 and 3 are correct

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The ionié balance or electrostatic neutrality of plasma is maintained by chloride shift or Hamburger's phenomenon, which occurs in, response to $HC{O}_3^{-}$ions. To maintain electrostatic neutrality of plasma, many chloride ions diffuse from plasma into RBCs and bicarbonate ions pass out. Thus, the chloride content of RBCs increases when oxygenated blood becomes deoxygenated. This is called chloride shift or Hamburger's shift.