Yin and Yang of cGMP signalling in hydrostatic lung edema

Abstract

Background Hydrostatic lung edema is a characteristic complication of acute left-sided ventricular or valvular heart failure that if untreated has a high mortality due to the resulting respiratory failure. Traditionally, formation of hydrostatic lung edema has been attributed to an imbalance of Starling forces, i.e. transcapillary hydrostatic and oncotic pressure in the pulmonary circulation resulting in interstitial and finally, alveolar edema. Yet, mechanosensitive cell responses may play a critical regulatory role in this scenario.