Elevated CO2 modulates airway contractility

Masahiko Shigemura, Jacob I. Sznajder*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO 2), a primary product of oxidative metabolism, can be sensed by eukaryotic cells eliciting unique responses via specific signalling pathways. Severe lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with hypoventilation that can lead to the elevation of CO 2 levels in lung tissues and the bloodstream (hypercapnia). However, the pathophysiological effects of hypercapnia on the lungs and specific lung cells are incompletely understood. We have recently reported using combined unbiased molecular approaches with studies in mice and cell culture systems on the mechanisms by which hypercapnia alters airway smooth muscle contractility. In this review, we provide a pathophysiological and mechanistic perspective on the effects of hypercapnia on the lung airways and discuss the recent understanding of high CO 2 modulation of the airway contractility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number20200021
JournalInterface Focus
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 6 2021

Keywords

  • airway smooth muscle contractility
  • carbon dioxide (CO 2)
  • hypercapnia
  • lung airways
  • respiratory acidosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomaterials

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