Na⁺/H⁺ exchange and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension

Intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis is key to the functioning of vascular smooth muscle cells, including pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Sodium-hydrogen exchange (NHE) is an important contributor to pHi control in PASMCs. In this review, we examine the role of NHE in PASMC function, in both physiologic and pathologic conditions. In particular, we focus on the contribution of NHE to the PASMC response to hypoxia, considering both acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in response to chronic hypoxia. Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension remains a disease with limited therapeutic options. Thus, this review explores past efforts at disrupting NHE signaling and discusses the therapeutic potential that such efforts may have in the field of pulmonary hypertension.