Cellular Pathways Promoting Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Hypoxia
Larissa A. Shimoda
Abstract
Exposure to hypoxia increases pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and, potentially, right heart failure. Vascular remodeling is an important contributor to the increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Hyperproliferation of smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, and deposition of extracellular matrix lead to increased wall thickness, extension of muscle into normally non-muscular arterioles, and vascular stiffening. This review highlights intrinsic and extrinsic modulators contributing to the remodeling process.
Topics & Concepts
Hypoxia (environmental)Extracellular matrixVascular resistanceVascular smooth muscleVascular remodelling in the embryoPulmonary hypertensionVentricular remodelingPulmonary vasculatureHeart failureCardiologyCell biologyMedicineBiologyInternal medicineChemistrySmooth muscleBlood pressureOxygenOrganic chemistryPulmonary Hypertension Research and TreatmentsNitric Oxide and Endothelin EffectsEicosanoids and Hypertension Pharmacology