[Effect of pH, pCO2, and pO2 on renal artery contractility and reactivity]

In isolated segments of the dog and cat renal arteries alkalization of the bathing solution at pH from 6.5 to 8.0 increased the amplitude of contraction and the sensitiveness to noradrenaline. A sharp rise of O2 content induced some increase in reactivity of muscle cells and caused spontaneous rhythmic activity. The results suggest a direct effect of pH and pO2 on the functional characteristics of renal arterial muscles. The effect seems to occur due to reversible changes in intracellular pH.