How kidney contribute in regulation of acid-base equilibrium

How do kidneys contribute in the regulation of acid-basic equilibrium of the body? How are acidosis and alkalosis correspondingly corrected by the kidneys?

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Kidneys can regulate the alkalinity or acidity of the plasma varying the excretion of hydrogen and the bicarbonate ions.

In alkalosis (that is, abnormally high level of plasma pH) the kidneys excrete much bicarbonate and the equilibrium of making of bicarbonate from water and carbon-dioxide shifts towards making of more hydrogen ions and bicarbonate and then the plasma pH is lowered. Whenever the body undergoes acidosis (that is, abnormal low level of plasma pH) the kidneys excrete extra hydrogen ions and retain more bicarbonate therefore the equilibrium of formation of bicarbonate from water and carbon-dioxide shifts towards more hydrogen consumption and the plasma pH is raised.

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