Child physiology

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

fatonfire

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2016
Messages
18
Reaction score
1
A low PVR , flow through a defect e.g. VSD and blood flow to lungs will be high.
High blood flow to lungs increases left atrial pressure. why does this cause pulmonary vasoconstriction?

Thanks

Members don't see this ad.
 
Too much blood flow to the lung results in a V/Q defect. The pulmonary vasoconstriction is a reflex to prevent this. I'm a little hazy on the mechanism but I think the increased blood flow stretches the vessel walls, opening mechanically gated calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells, and the calcium causes constriction. Could be off on that though.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Top