The distribution and movements of carbon dioxide, carbonic acid and bicarbonate between blood and milk in the goat

Abstract

1. A-V differences and milk concentrations of respiratory gases, pH, HCO3 and H2CO3 have been measured in lactating goats and cows. 2. The pH and [HCO3 minus] of milk were significantly lower than those of plasma while milk PCO2 was virtually identical to that of mammary venous blood. [H2CO3+ dissolved CO2] was similar in milk and blood. 3. 14-C (from injected [14-C]HCO3 minus was found to cross the mammary epithelium in both directions. 14-C also passed across the duct epithelium and since this epithelium has previously been shown to be impermeable to ions it is argued that 14-C crossed in an unionized form, i.e. as CO2 and/or H2CO3. 4. Hourly milking with the aid of oxytocin raised milk pH, [HCO3 minus], [H2CO3], [Na] and E1Cl], and lowered [K], [lactose] and [phosphate]. These effects are discussed in relation to the hypothesis proposed previously for the action of oxytocin on milk composition. 5. A scheme for the distribution and movements of CO2, H2CO3 and HCO3 minus between extracellular fluid and milk is suggested, and discussed in relation to Cl minus transport.