Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Videomorphometric Analysis of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction of Intra-pulmonary Arteries Using Murine Precision Cut Lung Slices
Published on: January 14, 2014
[Nicardipine induced hypoxia: role of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction]
J Cotte1, E D'Aranda, P Esnault
1Hôpital d'instruction des armées (HIA) Sainte-Anne, boulevard Sainte-Anne, BP 600, 83800 Toulon Naval, France. jean.cotte@gmail.com
Abstract:
Nicardipine is a commonly used anti-hypertensive drug for acute situations. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with hypoxemic pneumonia, who presented a worsening of his hypoxia secondary to the injection of this calcium channel inhibitor (CCI). This side effect was probably caused by inhibition of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Effects of CCI on pulmonary vessels are well-known. They don't induce clinically relevant hypoxemia in patients without acute pulmonary pathology. This case report shows that nicardipine can severely worsen haematosis of patients with acute hypoxia. CCI should probably not be used in such patients.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Hypoxia
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
