Elevation of arterial potassium during acute systemic hypoxia is abolished by alkalosis.

Background: Small elevations in plasma potassium evoke vasodilation in the peripheral circulation. Systemic hypoxia elevates arterial potassium and also modifies arterial pH.

Aims: We examined the interaction between pH and potassium in blood during systemic hypoxia and the effect of pH on the uptake/release of potassium in the peripheral tissues.