Hypoxic pulmonary vasodilation

For information on Hypoxic Pulmonic Vasoconstriction, see Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction

While Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction is a well-described phenomena, mammalian lungs may be capable of vasodilating following a hypoxemic challenge (pO2 < 25 mm Hg). It is thought that this response is mediated by adenosine [Gottlieb JE et al. Am J Physiol 247: H541, 1984]. This effect is well described in sea lions, in which case it is mediated by hydrogen sulfide [Olson KR et al. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 298: R51, 2010]