Question

Azetazolamide (Diamox) is a diuretic. It functions by blocking the activity of carbonic anhydrase inside kidney tubule cells. This slows the formation of carbonic acid. By slowing the formation of hydrogen ions in the cells of the tubule, sodium reabsorption is also slowed. This results in the diuretic effect. Select from the following list the possible side-effects of Azetazolamide.
(1) acidosis
(2) reduced movement of bicarbonate ion into the plasma
(3) an alkaline urine is produced
(4) respiration increases

Answer 1

(1) acidosis
(2) reduced movement of bicarbonate ion into the plasma
(3) an alkaline urine is produced
(4) respiration increases

Explanation:Carbonic anhydrase is responsible for conversion of H2O + CO2 into bicarbonate and H+ in the kidney tubular cells. Bicarbonate ions are reabsorbed in the blood capillaries while h+ ions are excreted in exchange for Na+ in the lumen of the tubule via Na/H+ pump. Due to inhibition of CA, bicarbonate generation and its absorption in the blood capillaries would be affected. also h+ secretion would also be hampered.

The urine will be alkaline due to less reabsorption of bicarbonate.

The pH of the blood will be low due to Less excretion of the H+ leading to acidosis.

To compensate this acidosis, lung will hyperventilate to wash out CO2 due to stimulation of respiratory center.