Final answer:
To compensate for hyperventilation and resultant respiratory alkalosis, the kidneys decrease the blood bicarbonate concentration by reducing its production and increasing bicarbonate excretion, while also reabsorbing more hydrogen ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to compensate for hyperventilation, which leads to respiratory alkalosis, the kidneys work to decrease the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood. This is achieved through several mechanisms, including the decrease in bicarbonate production, increase in bicarbonate excretion, and reabsorption of hydrogen ions (H+) from the tubular fluid. In contrast to this, during respiratory acidosis, the kidneys would increase the reabsorption of bicarbonate and the secretion of hydrogen ions to raise the blood pH.
Rather than increasing the ventilation rate as the lungs would, the kidneys compensate by adjusting bicarbonate and hydrogen ion levels to restore the acid-base balance. The statement that 'the kidneys increase the conversion of glutamine to bicarbonate' also describes a renal mechanism that can assist in correcting an acidic state rather than an alkalotic one.
Overall, metabolic compensation strives to maintain the appropriate pH levels in the body's internal environment, ensuring that the proper balance between acid and base is achieved through the finely tuned activities of both kidneys and lungs.