More bicarbonate ions diffuse out of red blood cells in exchange for chloride while those cells are in the systemic capillaries compared to when they are in the pulmonary capillaries.

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The systemic capillaries have a lower pH and higher PCO2 compared to the pulmonary capillaries. As a result, more bicarbonate ions are released from red blood cells in exchange for chloride to maintain proper pH balance. In contrast, in the pulmonary capillaries, the opposite exchange occurs, where bicarbonate is taken up by red blood cells in exchange for chloride, due to the higher oxygen concentration and lower PCO2 in the lungs.

More Bicarbonate Ions Diffuse Out of Red Blood Cells in Exchange