Pulmonary vascular remodelling at high altitude

Abstract

Pulmonary vascular remodelling in man and mammals at high altitude is complex. The structural changes which occur center upon the response to hypobaric hypoxia of the vascular smooth muscle cells in the walls of pulmonary arteries and veins. Their nature, however, depends on the species involved and the biological status of the subject in relation to the mountain environment. Thus, different forms of remodelling are associated with genetic adaptation, lack of initial acclimatization, and established natural acclimatization to high altitude.