Open AccessCellular Pathways Promoting Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Hypoxia
Author(s) -
Larissa A. Shimoda
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.14
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1548-9213
pISSN - 1548-9221
DOI - 10.1152/physiol.00039.2019
Subject(s) - hypoxia (environmental) , extracellular matrix , vascular resistance , vascular smooth muscle , pulmonary hypertension , vascular remodelling in the embryo , pulmonary vasculature , cardiology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , biology , smooth muscle , chemistry , blood pressure , organic chemistry , oxygen
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.