Comparative aspects of buffering capacity in muscle.

These findings are discussed in relation to the contention that a high buffer value is linked to a high work performance. This generalization does not extend to the "white" breast muscle of chicken. Its high buffer value is in part due to a high content of the dipeptides carnosine and anserine. Additionally, a hypothesis is advanced that muscle, e.g. pigeon breast muscle, can in part regulate intracellular pH by changes in the steady state concentrations of the glycolytic and citric acid cycle acids. Notably this form of pH regulation has no inherent energy requirement.