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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Videomorphometric Analysis of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction of Intra-pulmonary Arteries Using Murine Precision Cut Lung Slices
Published on: January 14, 2014
Vascular adaptations to hypoxia: molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating vascular tone
Michael L Paffett1, Benjimen R Walker
1Vascular Physiology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, MSC08 4750 Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Abstract:
Several molecular and cellular adaptive mechanisms to hypoxia exist within the vasculature. Many of these processes involve oxygen sensing which is transduced into mediators of vasoconstriction in the pulmonary circulation and vasodilation in the systemic circulation. A variety of oxygen-responsive pathways, such as HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1 and HOs (haem oxygenases), contribute to the overall adaptive process during hypoxia and are currently an area of intense research. Generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) may also differentially regulate vascular tone in these circulations. Potential candidates underlying the divergent responses between the systemic and pulmonary circulations may include Nox (NADPH oxidase)-derived ROS and mitochondrial-derived ROS. In addition to alterations in ROS production governing vascular tone in the hypoxic setting, other vascular adaptations are likely to be involved. HPV (hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction) and CH (chronic hypoxia)-induced alterations in cellular proliferation, ionic conductances and changes in the contractile apparatus sensitivity to calcium, all occur as adaptive processes within the vasculature.
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