Effect of nasogastric administration of sodium bicarbonate on carbon 13 isotopic enrichment of carbon dioxide in serum of horses.

The research article investigates whether giving horses commercially available sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) will affect the levels of a certain type of carbon (13C) in the horses’ blood. It found that while sodium bicarbonate did increase the overall levels of carbon dioxide, it did not significantly alter the levels of 13C.

Objective and Methods

• The study aims to explore the effect of sodium bicarbonate administration on the concentration of carbon 13 (13C) in the serum of horses.
• This was accomplished by giving seven healthy Thoroughbred horses 450 grams of sodium bicarbonate through nasogastric intubation.
• The horses were all given the same diet and had access to the same water source for three months prior to the study, ensuring homogeneity in the subjects’ diet and environment.

Data Collection

• Blood samples were collected at various stages – just before the administration, and then after 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours – in order to assess the changes in carbon dioxide levels over time.
• The total amount of carbon dioxide in the blood was determined using a commercial analyzer.
• The specific levels of 13C was measured by releasing the gas through the acidification of the blood.
• The 13C levels in the administered sodium bicarbonate were also measured and compared to the horses’ pre-treatment blood samples.

Results and Conclusion

• It was found that the sodium bicarbonate significantly varied in 13C levels compared to the horses’ initial levels.
• Post-treatment, the total carbon dioxide levels in the blood of the horses increased. However, this increase was only minimal and temporary for the 13C levels.
• This led to the conclusion that the administration of sodium bicarbonate did not significantly affect the 13C concentration in the horses’ serum.

This research could be beneficial in better understanding the metabolic processes in horses, and potentially other animals as well, related to the intake and breakdown of substances like sodium bicarbonate.