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Physiology Note - Vasoactive Receptors A HICS Initiative

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         Dr Mohan Sai Gudela        Senior Resident, Critical Care Medicine,       AIIMS, Jodhpur                                                                  VASOACTIVE RECEPTORS Introduction Vasoactive receptors are predominantly located in vascular smooth muscle, myocardium, and endothelium. Their primary role is to modulate systemic and regional hemodynamics through drug-receptor interactions. Beyond their actions on the cardiovascular system, these receptors exert significant metabolic and neuroregulatory effects as well. A thorough understanding of their distribution and functions is essential for optimizing hemodynamic and metabolic responses in the critically ill. Few important vasoactive receptors include: Adrener...
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Physiology Note - Acid Base Physiology

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  Dr Bijay KC Associate Professor and ICU in-charge Department of Critical Care Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital Life is a struggle, not against sin, not against money power... but against hydrogen ions. H. L. Mencken   Acid–base balance is the human body’s finest demonstration of homeostasis—an intricate dance between lungs, kidneys, electrolytes, proteins, and cellular metabolism. Hydrogen ions (H⁺), though tiny, exert enormous biological power. Their concentration is regulated within an astonishingly narrow range because even minor shifts alter enzyme kinetics, ionic gradients, cardiac contractility, vascular tone, and cellular survival. In critical care, acid–base physiology is not abstract theory—it is a continuous, dynamic reflection of tissue perfusion, respiratory efficiency, renal integrity, metabolic status, and fluid choices. 1. The Hydrogen Ion and pH: The Foundation  pH is the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration:  ( Figure 1)...
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