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.

The quest for a vascular endothelial cannabinoid receptor.

This review examines pharmacological and biochemical evidence that suggests the existence of an as yet undefined endothelial receptor that mediates endocannabinoid-induced vasodilation. The signaling mechanisms triggered through this receptor and its potential physiological role are also discussed. Since vasodilation is often associated with hypotension, mechanisms involved in the hypotensive actions of cannabinoids, including the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are also briefly reviewed.