Loss of bicarbonate from the kidneys

There are a number of defects of the kidneys which lead to abnormal handling of H⁺ and HCO₃^-.  They are grouped together under the term renal tubular acidosis.

The understanding of renal tubular acidosis has changed with the identification of the mechanisms, particularly the cell membrane pumps, responsible for the excretion of H⁺ and regeneration of HCO₃^-. 

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