Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
13:32
Videomorphometric Analysis of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction of Intra-pulmonary Arteries Using Murine Precision Cut Lung Slices
Published on: January 14, 2014
12.6K
Peripheral chemoreceptor responsiveness and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in humans
Tyler J Albert1, Erik R Swenson
11 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center , Seattle, Washington.
High Altitude Medicine & Biology
|January 22, 2014
Summary
Individuals with a stronger peripheral chemoreceptor response to hypoxia exhibit reduced hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). This suggests that heightened hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness (HVR) may be protective against excessive HPV in healthy subjects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Animal studies indicate central nervous system (CNS) modulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV).
- Human studies on CNS influence on HPV are lacking due to invasive methods.
- Peripheral chemoreceptors are hypothesized to modulate HPV in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity and HPV in humans.
- To test the hypothesis that higher hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness (HVR) is associated with lower HPV.
Main Methods:
- 15 healthy participants (men and women) were studied.
- Normobaric poikilocapnic hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) was measured.
- Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was measured via echocardiography under varying fractions of inspired oxygen (FIo2) to assess HPV at a common oxygen saturation (SPo2) of 85%.
Main Results:
- A wide range of HVR was observed, consistent with previous data.
- HPV was assessed at a common SPo2 of 85%.
- A significant inverse correlation was found between HVR and HPV (p=0.006, R²=0.38).
Conclusions:
- High HVR and high HPV are risk factors for high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
- This study demonstrates an inverse correlation between HVR and HPV in healthy subjects.
- Increased peripheral chemoreceptor response to hypoxia limits HPV in humans.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
2.7K
Chemical factors such as changing CO2, O2, and H+ levels in arterial blood play a critical role in influencing respiration depth and rates. These variations are detected by chemoreceptors—specialized sensors located in two primary body areas. Central chemoreceptors are found throughout the brain stem, including the ventrolateral medulla, while peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated....
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated....
2.7K
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
5.0K
Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
5.0K
01:22Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
2.9K
The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
2.9K
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
1.8K
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
1.8K
01:18Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
2.3K
Respiratory compensation is a vital physiological process that stabilizes blood plasma pH by regulating the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), a key determinant of pH levels. Most carbon dioxide in the blood dissolves and converts into carbonic acid (H2CO3). It dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻). There is also an inverse relationship between PCO2 and pH.
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are...
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are...
2.3K
01:25Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
4.1K
Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
4.1K