Alterations in arterial CO₂ rather than pH affect the kinetics of neurovascular coupling in humans

Key points We investigated the influence of arterial ( ) with and without acute experimental metabolic alkalosis on neurovascular coupling (NVC). We assessed stepwise iso‐oxic alterations in prior to and following intravenous NaHCO 3 to acutely elevate arterial pH and [HCO 3 – ]. The NVC response was not altered following NaHCO 3 between stepwise stages; therefore, NVC is acutely mediated by rather than the prevailing arterial [H + ]/pH. The NVC...