Methods are provided for treating pathologies associated with hypoxia with an MIF inhibitor. Methods are also provided for treating a subject having, or at risk for pulmonary hypertension, with an MIF inhibitor. Methods are also provided for reating a subject having, or at risk from, a CNS disorder associated with hypoxia, with an MIF inhibitor. Methods are also provided of treating severe chronic lung disease, hypoxia-induced right ventricular hypertrophy or hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling with an MIF inhibitor. Methods of diagnosing a subject with pulmonary hypertension are also provided.