Which buffer is considered the major plasma buffer important during dialysis?

Bicarbonate is recognized as the major plasma buffer important during dialysis. This is primarily due to its ability to effectively maintain acid-base balance in the body. Bicarbonate buffers excess hydrogen ions in the plasma, thereby helping to prevent acidosis, which is particularly significant for patients undergoing hemodialysis who may be at risk for changes in their acid-base status.

During dialysis, the removal of excess acids and toxins is crucial, and bicarbonate is often used in dialysate solutions to replenish the bicarbonate levels in the patient's blood. This process promotes the neutralization of acids and aids in restoring the body’s normal pH levels. Therefore, bicarbonate plays a central role in both the physiological buffering system and the clinical management of patients receiving dialysis.

In contrast, the other buffers mentioned, while they can play supportive roles in maintaining pH balance, do not have the same level of prominence or clinical application in the context of dialysis as bicarbonate. Phosphate, for instance, serves as a buffer in the intracellular environment and in specific pathological conditions, but it is not the primary buffer used in the plasma during dialysis. Similarly, amino acids and proteins can have buffering capabilities, but they are not as effective in the quick adjustments needed during the dialysis