Pulmonary Vessel Tone

Pulmonary vessel tone refers to the degree of constriction or relaxation of the pulmonary blood vessels, particularly the arterioles. It is a key determinant of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which regulates blood flow through the lungs and influences gas exchange efficiency. Regulation involves both passive mechanisms and active mechanisms involving vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial-derived vasoactive substances like nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and endothelin-1. Abnormal regulation contributes to pulmonary hypertension.

Other names

Pulmonary vascular tonePulmonary arterial tone

Regulation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle contraction and relaxation via vasoactive mediators (NO, prostacyclin, endothelin-1) and intracellular signaling pathways (Rho kinase, Ca2+).