Abstract
Acute hypoxia induces pulmonary vasoconstriction and chronic hypoxia causes structural changes of the pulmonary vasculature including arterial medial hypertrophy. Electro- and pharmacomechanical mechanisms are involved in regulating pulmonary vasomotor tone, whereas intracellular Ca2+ serves as an important signal in regulating contraction and proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Herein, we provide a basic overview of the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Our discussion focuses on the roles of ion channels permeable to K+ and Ca2+, membrane potential, and cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the development of acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and chronic hypoxia-mediated pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 415-420 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physiology |
Volume | 98 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Calcium
- Hypoxia
- Proliferation
- Remodeling
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Physiology (medical)