Open AccessNa + /H + Exchange and Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Author(s) -
Huetsch John,
Shimoda Larissa A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pulmonary circulation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.791
H-Index - 40
ISSN - 2045-8940
DOI - 10.1086/680213
Subject(s) - hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction , pulmonary hypertension , medicine , hypoxia (environmental) , pulmonary artery , homeostasis , vasoconstriction , cardiology , oxygen , chemistry , organic chemistry
Intracellular pH (pH i ) homeostasis is key to the functioning of vascular smooth muscle cells, including pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Sodium‐hydrogen exchange (NHE) is an important contributor to pH i control in PASMCs. In this review, we examine the role of NHE in PASMC function, in both physiologic and pathologic conditions. In particular, we focus on the contribution of NHE to the PASMC response to hypoxia, considering both acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in response to chronic hypoxia. Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension remains a disease with limited therapeutic options. Thus, this review explores past efforts at disrupting NHE signaling and discusses the therapeutic potential that such efforts may have in the field of pulmonary hypertension.