lies in realizing that oxygenation of Hb promotes dissociation of H+ from Hb, which shifts the bicarbonate buffer equilibrium towards CO2 formation; therefore, CO2 is released from RBCs. Clinical significance In patients with lung disease, lungs may not be able to increase alveolar ventilation in the face of increased amounts of dissolved CO2. This partially explains the observation that some patients with emphysema might have an increase in PaCO2 (partial pressure of arterial dissolved carbon dioxide) following administration of supplemental oxygen even if content of CO2 stays equal. See also Bohr effect Chloride shift References External links Hematology Hemoproteins Respiratory physiology