In humans, acid-base balance is crucial to cell homeostasis. Acidosis is observed in numerous inflammatory processes, primarily acute conditions such as sepsis, trauma, or acute respiratory distress where females tend to exhibit better prognosis compared with males. The mechanisms underlying these gender-dependent differences are multiple, probably involving hormonal and genetic factors, partic...

We have compared measures of heart rate variability (HRV) in 15 women in late pregnancy before and 3 months after delivery and in 20 non-pregnant controls, to study the effect of aortocaval compression on autonomic nervous activity. Normalized high-frequency power was used as an index of vagal activity and the low-/high-frequency power ratio as index of sympathovagal balance. We found that the ...

The intriguing notion of the menstrual cycle's having an acute impact on bone metabolism is examined as an expression of estrogen changes manifest as fluctuations in calcium-regulating hormones or biomarkers of bone formation/resorption. The effects of estrogen, progesterone, androgens, and follicle-stimulating hormones on bone health are also reviewed here. To date, the balance of evidence sug...

The recently-described Stress Repair Mechanism (SRM) automatically repairs and maintains vertebrate body structure, but it lacks the ability to adjust to changing environmental circumstances. Therefore its operation cannot explain allostasis, which refers to the ability of vertebrates to adapt to changing environmental allostatic load by altering their hormonal and physiological reactions. Allo...

In human physiology it is best to refer to electrolytes, the main component in bodily fluids, in the context of extracellular fluid (ECF) volume and total water (H2O) content in the body. Electrolytes are also best referenced collectively rather than individually because they are part of an integrated physiological mechanism of H2O and ionic balance. Thirst, renal function, and hormonal respons...

The period from 3 wk before to 3 wk after parturition in dairy cows, also known as the transition period, is characterized by significant changes in hormonal profile, feed intake, nutrient requirements, metabolism, and energy balance. These changes are known to dramatically affect immune function. In this manuscript we will discuss situations that accentuate immune suppression and predispose co...