Mechanisms of action of pH-induced effects on vascular smooth muscle.

It is clear that pH has many effects on vascular smooth muscle and the overall action of pH on force will depend on the type of vascular smooth muscle in question and the combined effects on all the potential modulatory mechanisms. The major effects of pH on force appear to be mediated via modulation of [Ca]i rather than changes in the sensitivity of the contractile machinery to Ca(2+). There are still numerous gaps in our understanding of the actions of pH and as more data become available, we will be able to better understand the major mechanisms involved. (Mol Cell Biochem 263: 163-172, 2004).