AMPK deficiency in smooth muscles causes persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new-born and premature death

Abstract

AMPK modulates idiopathic and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in adults, largely via unknown mechanisms. Here, the authors show that AMPK deficiency in smooth muscles causes persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new born and premature death in mice, due to increased muscularisation and remodeling of pulmonary arteries, reduced alveolar numbers and alveolar membrane thickening