Carbonic Anhydrase Function

Carbonic anhydrase is a zinc-based enzyme found in mammals. It is found in the bloodstream, pancreatic cells, and in processes that catalyzes the release of carbon dioxide in the body. It also plays a crucial role in the interconversion of carbonic acid. One of the main roles of carbonic anhydrase in the body is controlling the carbon dioxide transportation in the blood stream. It is also helpful in the production of hydrochloric acid in your digestive system.

In general, the primary purpose of carbonic anhydrase is to inter-convert the carbon dioxide and the bicarbonate in the bloodstream and cells so that the body can maintain the right balance of acid and base in tissues and cells. Conversely, the enzyme also helps in releasing carbon dioxide from the tissues. It is especially useful in respiration, because it helps in the transportation and elimination of carbon dioxide from the lungs. Carbonic acid is also decomposed into water and carbon dioxide with the help of the enzyme.

In human respiration, carbonic anhydrase helps in resisting the change in acidity in the body by combining hydrogen ions with buffer solutions. It also helps in speeding up the process of turning carbon dioxide into carbonic acid. This enzyme is found only in red blood cells, which is why they accumulate much faster in the red blood cells than the plasma.

Thanks to carbonic anhydrase enzyme, the carbon dioxide only comprises 26 percent of the blood content in humans. The 62 percent exists as bicarbonates found in the plasma. It must be noted however, that before they become bicarbonates, they must first be converted into such inside the red blood cell, and then transported into the plasma.

There are five types of carbonic anhydrase found in nature, but only one type that is the alpha carbonic anhydrase is found in mammals. The alpha carbonic anhydrase is further divided into four distinct subgroups consisting of the cystolic, mitochondrial, secreted, and membrane-associated enzymes.

In other animals like birds, the enzyme is also responsible for helping in the production of calcium to make shells on the bird eggs.

Carbonic Anhydrase in Medicine

There are a number of applications in which carbonic anhydrase is put to use in medicine. Inhibitors of the enzyme are often used to treat glaucoma. Many doctors prescribe a number of treatments for glaucoma including beta blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These are used to decrease the fluids in the eyes.

There are also a good number of applications for inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase including treatment for hypertension caused by acid-base imbalance. It appears that carbonic anhydrase contributes to the process of metabolic acidosis. This is excreted by the kidneys. In excessive amounts, this will lead to hypertension, and is common among people suffering from diabetes.

Carbonic Anhydrase in Pharmacology

In kidney pharmacology, carbonic anhydrase is also associated the absorption of sodium bicarbonate. Excess amounts of sodium bicarbonate in the kidneys can lead to complications. Acetazolamide, methazolamide, and other inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase are common medicines used to depress the absorption of sodium bicarbonate in the kidneys. When used, these drugs inhibit the absorption of sodium bicarbonate in the kidney, resulting in the increase in the amount of urine. The urine will contain sodium bicarbonate.

Carbonic Anhydrase in Urine Formation

Carbonic anhydrase also plays a major role in urine formation. It facilitates the production of carbonic acid from water and carbon dioxide, which are then used to ionize bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The secretion of the hydrogenion in the tubular fluid jumpstarts the absorption of bicarbonate in the body. Carbonic anhydrase influences the release of cell nutrients and water from the cells.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

The popular use for carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is for reducing eye pressure by limiting the intraocular fluid production in the eyes. Inhibitors are available as eye drops or pills. Some of the most common inhibitors as mentioned earlier are Acetazolamide, Dorzolamide, and Brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension with a concentration of 1%.

These are commonly used for the treatment of glaucoma, and in rare cases, epilepsy. They are also helpful in the treatment of altitude sickness, and certain kinds of hypertension. Despite the benefits of these drugs for glaucoma and hypertension, they also have some side effects. Many people who use these drugs experience a weakness or tingling sensation in their hands. They can also cause irritable bowel syndrome for some people, with other side effects including memory lapses, depression, and even kidney stones. Frequent urination is also a known side effect.

Dorzolamide eye drops may have side effects like stinging or burning sensations in the eye. All these side effects are temporary, and there have been no studies that have been completed in knowing the long-term side effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

The enzyme is also associated with sweating. People who have problems with profuse sweating also take carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to localize the enzyme in the sweat glands. The enzyme is thought to be responsible for the catalysis of carbon dioxide and water molecules to become carbonic acid and hydrogen ions. There is strong enzyme activity in the luminal cell membrane.

Topiramate is also an inhibitor of the enzyme. It is a monosaccharide related to fructose and functions as an anticonvulsant that is useful in the treatment of epilepsy. It is also helpful in treating Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and minor migraines.

The inhibition of carbonic anhydrase can lead to the metabolic acidosis, a condition wherein the body produces too much acid. This also occurs when the kidneys fail to remove acid from the body. The increased production of hydrogen and bicarbonates in the body due to tempered levels of carbonic anhydrase can lead to serious consequences, among them are comatose and death. Acidemia on the other hand, is a condition wherein the blood has very low pH levels. Metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis are also associated with the inhibitions of carbonic anhydrase.

Overall, the enzyme carbonic anhydrase has a lot of uses for the body. It facilitates the conversion of carbonates and carbon dioxide in the body and it helps transport the latter throughout the body. It also has a lot of medical functions. These are a few of the reasons for the importance of carbonic anhydrase.

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