Anaes SAQs · Applied cardiovascular & respiratory physiology
The oxygen cascade and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Primary — cascade from dry inspired air (159) through humidified tracheal (149), alveolar (about 100), arterial (about 95), capillary (about 40) to mitochondria (1 to 3); alveolar gas equation; HPV mechanism (alveolar hypoxia, redox/K+ channel), V/Q matching role, inhibition by volatiles/vasodilators/low SVR; OLV.
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Prompt
Describe the oxygen cascade and state the alveolar gas equation. Explain the mechanism and physiological role of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and the factors that impair it.
Question
Describe the oxygen cascade and state the alveolar gas equation. Explain the mechanism and physiological role of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and the factors that impair it.
References5ShowHide
- [1]Heymer J. Alveolar gas equation: a metabolic perspective. Intensive Care Med, 2026.PMID 41661294
- [3]Ma MR, et al. MicroRNAs and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Biomed Pharmacother, 2026.PMID 42166981
- [2]Sylvester JT et al. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Physiol Rev, 2012.PMID 22298659
- [4]Chacon-Diaz M. Cardiovascular system and high altitude. Arch Peru Cardiol Cir Cardiovasc, 2026.PMID 42238502
- [42238503]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.