Bicarbonate modulates oxidative and functional damage in ischemia-reperfusion

► CO2/HCO3− is the main biological pH buffer. ► CO2/HCO3− does not affect cell, organellar, or organism function under basal conditions. ► CO2/HCO3− promotes greater functional loss and oxidative damage after ischemia. ► Increased CO2/HCO3− causes greater functional loss and oxidative damage after ischemia.