Effects of changes in pH on the contractility of vascular smooth muscle

Hydrogen ion concentration (H+) is an important regulator of many cellular functions including contractility of the vascular smooth muscle cells. In many physiological and pathological states, changes in pH may have profound effects on the contractility of blood vessels and thus on the peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the likely outcome of the situations in the conditions, where pH changes are frequent. In this review, the mechanisms involved in the contractile responses of vascular tissues to pH changes are discussed.