Effect of hydroxylamine on pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by chronic hypoxic hypercapnia in rats

AIM: To explore the effects of hydroxylamine on the pulmonary arterial pressure in chronic hypoxic hypercapnic rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (8 rats in each group): the normal control group (NC), hypoxic hypercapnia+normal saline group (NS), hypoxic hypercapnia+hydroxylamine group (HA). The animals in NS and HA groups were kept in the O₂ (9%-11%) and CO₂ (5%-6%) cabin, 8 h a day and 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Before entering the cabin, the rats in HA group were administered with 1 mL hydroxylamine (12.5 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection, while the rats in NS group were given intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL saline solution. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was measured by external jugular vein cannulation. The heart was removed, and the right ventricle (RV) and the left ventricle plus the septum (LV+S) were dissected. The ratio of the wet weight of the RV to that of the LV+S was calculated. The changes of the pulmonary vascular construction were observed under optical microscope. The concentration of H₂S in the plasma was measured with a spectrometer. The expression of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in the pulmonary arterioles and bronchi was measured by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS: The values of mPAP, RV/(LV+S),vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA) and media thickness of pulmonary arterioles (PAMT) in NS group and HA group were significantly higher than those in NC group (P<0.05). The level of H₂S in the plasma, the content of CSE protein and the expression of CSE mRNA in NC group were significantly lower than those in NS group (P<0.05). The values of mPAP, RV/(LV+S), WA/TA and PAMT in HA group were significantly lower than those in NS group (P<0.05). The level of H₂S in the plasma, the content of CSE protein and the expression of CSE mRNA in HA group were significantly higher than those in NS group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hydroxylamine may decrease the pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by chronic hypoxic hypercapnia in rats by increasing the level of H₂S in the plasma, the content of CSE protein and the mRNA expression of CSE, thus improving the pulmonary vascular structural remodeling.     

Effect of hypercapnia on lysyl oxidase-dependent collagen cross-linking and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in rat

AIM: To investigate the effect of hypercapnia on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and the changes of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and extracellular matrix collagen cross-links in the rat. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normoxia group, hypoxia group, hypercapnia group and hypoxia+hypercapnia group. LOX activity was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. LOX protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The mRNA expression of LOX in the pulmonary artery was detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The levels of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), RV/(LV+S) and WA/TA in hypoxia group were significantly higher than those in normoxia group (P<0.01). Moreover, the levels of mPAP and RV/(LV+S) in hypoxia+hypercapnia group were significantly lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.01). However, no significant difference of mPAP and RV/(LV+S) between hypercapnia group and normoxia group was observed. In hypoxia group, the collagen cross-links in the lung tissue was significantly higher than that in normoxia group and hypercapnia group (P<0.01). Importantly, collagen cross-links in the lung tissue of hypoxia+hypercapnia group was significantly lower than that in hypoxia group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in collagen cross-links between hypercapnia group and normoxia group. The expression of LOX at mRNA and protein levels and its activity in the pulmonary arteries of hypoxia group were significantly increased as compared with normoxia group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the expression of LOX at mRNA and protein levels and its activity in the pulmonary arteries in hypoxia+hypercapnia group were lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Hypoxia not only up-regulates LOX but also promotes collagen cross-linking in the rat lung, which contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension. Hypercapnia inhibits hypoxia-induced LOX expression and collagen cross-linking, therefore impairing the progress in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.     

Effects of A2a adenosine receptor on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats treated with salidroside

AIM: To study the protective effect of A_2a adenosine receptor (A_2aAR) on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in the rats treated with salidroside. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, hypoxia group, hypoxia+salidroside (low dose) group, hypoxia+salidroside (median dose) group, hypoxia+salidroside (high dose) group, and hypoxia+CGS-21680 (a selective agonist of A_2aAR) group. Pulmonary hypertension in the rats was produced for 4 weeks. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), mean carotid arterial pressure (mCAP) and the weight ratio of right ventricle/(left ventricle+septum)［RV/(LV+S)］ were measured. The expression of A_2aAR in the pulmonary arterioles was determined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The mRNA expression of A2aAR in the lung tissues was detected by real-time RT-PCR. The protein level of A_2aAR in the lung tissues was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: The mPAP in hypoxia group was significantly higher than that in normal control group. The mPAP in hypoxia+salidroside (high dose) group and CGS-21680 group was significantly lower than that in hypoxia group. RV/(LV+S) in hypoxia group were significantly higher than that in normal control group. RV/(LV+S) in hypoxia+salidroside (median dose) group, hypoxia+salidroside (high dose) group and CGS-21680 group were lower than that in hypoxia group. The ratio of vessel wall area/vessel total area (WA/TA) in hypoxia group was significantly higher than that in normal control group. WA/TA in hypoxia+salidroside (low dose) group, hypoxia+salidroside (median dose) group, hypoxia+salidroside (high dose) group and CGS21680 group were obviously lower than that in hypoxia group. The expression of A_2aAR was significantly higher in hypoxia group than that in normal control group. The expression of A_2aAR in hypoxia+salidroside (high dose) group and CGS-21680 group was obviously higher than that in hypoxia group. CONCLUSION: The A_2aAR attenuates pulmonary vessel remodeling and pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxia. Salidroside protects the pulmonary vessel from remodeling and inhibits the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by up-regulation of A_2aAR expression.     

Asiaticoside attenuates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in mice by inhibiting NF-κB/p38 signaling pathway

AIM: To investigate whether asiaticoside attenuates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting p38/NF-κB signaling pathway. METHODS: BALB/c mice (n=30) were randomly divided into normoxia (N) group, hypoxia (H) group, and hypoxia+asiaticoside group. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), mean carotid artery pressure (mCAP), the weight ratio of right ventricle/(left ventricle+ventricular septum)[RV/(LV+S)], the ratio of right ventricle/body weight (RV/BW), vessel wall area/vessel total area (WA/TA) and vessel wall diameter/vessel wall total diameter (WT/TT) were determined after the model was established. The protein levels of p38, p-p38, NF-κB and p-NF-κB in the lung tissues were detected by Western blot. The fluorescence intensity of p-p38 and p-NF-κB were measured by immunofluorescence method. The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with N group, the levels of RVSP, RV/(LV+S), RV/BW, WA/TA and WT/TT were significantly increased in H group, while administration of asiaticoside decreased the levels of RVSP, RV/(LV+S), RV/BW, WA/TA and WT/TT (P<0.05). Compared with N group, the relative protein levels of p-p38 and p-NF-κB in H group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased, which were apparently attenuated by asiaticoside injection. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of p38/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduction of inflammatory responses may be the important mechanisms of asiaticoside in the prevention and treatment of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.     

Effect of Panax notoginoside on pulmonary arterial pressure and expression of p38 MAPK in lung tissues of hypoxic rats

AIM: To observe the effect of Panax notoginoside (PNS) on the pulmonary artery pressure and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) in lung tissues of rats treated with hypoxia. METHODS: Thirty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The rats in normal control group were exposed to normal conditions, the rats in hypoxia group were exposed to isobaric hypoxia, and the rats in hypoxia+PNS group were treated with PNS under the condition of hypoxia. After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and the mean carotid arterial pressure (mCAP) were measured by cardiac catheterization. The heart was isolated, and the right ventricle (RV), left ventricle plus ventricular septum (LV+S) were weighed to calculate the ratio of RV/(LV+S).The quantity of phospho-p38 MAPK(p-p38 MAPK) in rat pulmonary arterioles was determined by the method of immunohistochemistry and the mRNA content of p38 MAPK was tested by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The mPAP and RV/(LV+S) in hypoxia group were higher than those in normal control group. The expression of p-p38 MAPK in rat pulmonary arterioles and p38 MAPK mRNA in the lung tissues were higher than those in normal control group (P<0.05). The mPAP, RV/(LV+S), the expression of p-p38 MAPK in rat pulmonary arterioles and p38 MAPK mRNA in the lung tissues in hypoxia+PNS group were significantly lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: PNS possesses the preventive and therapeutic effect on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by decreasing p-p38 MAPK and down-regulation of p38 MAPK mRNA in the lungs.     

Effect of nitric oxide on urotensin-Ⅱ expression in pulmonary arterioles of rats chronically exposed to hypoxia-hypercapnia

AIM: To investigate the roles of nitric oxide/L-arginine (NO/L-Arg) pathway and urotensin-Ⅱ (UⅡ) in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia in rats.METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): normal control group (A), hypoxia-hypercapnia+saline group (B), hypoxia-hypercapnia+L-Arg liposome group (C) and hypoxia-hypercapnia+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group (D).Contents of UⅡ, UⅡ mRNA and receptor of UⅡ (UT) mRNA in pulmonary arterioles were measured with immunohistochemistry analysis and in situ hybridization, respectively.Change of small pulmonary vascular microstructure was also investigated.RESULTS: (1) The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and the weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum ［RV/(LV+S)］ in B and D groups were all higher than those in A group (respectively, P<0.05), with C group significantly lower than those in B group (respectively, P<0.01).(2) Light microscopy showed that the ratio of vessel wall area to total area (WA/TA) and the media thickness of pulmonary arterioles (PAMT) in B group were higher than those in A group (P<0.05), with C group significantly lower than those in B group.(3) The contents of UⅡ, UⅡ mRNA and UT mRNA in pulmonary arterioles in B and D groups were all higher than those in A group (respectively, P<0.01), while the expression of UⅡ and UⅡ mRNA in C group were lower than those in B group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The pathological process of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia might be related to upregulation of UⅡ located in pulmonary arterioles, which might be partially inhibited by exogenous NO in rats.     

Effect of L-arginine liposome on L-arginine transport of pulmonary artery in rats chronically exposed to hypoxia-hypercapnia

AIM: To investigate the effect of chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia and L-arginine (L-Arg) liposome on L-Arg transport in rats pulmonary artery. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, normal control group (NC), chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia group (HH), chronic hypoxia- hypercapnia group+L-Arg (HL) and chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia group+L-Arg liposome (HP). Changes in pulmonary artery L-Arg transport and pulmonary arterial microscopy were observed. RESULTS: (1) The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) in HH group were higher than those in NC group, and in HP group was lower than that in HH group and HL group, but there was no significant difference between HL group and HH group; (2) At 0.005 mmol/L, 0.01mmol/L, 0.02mmol/L, 0.05 mmol/L, 0.1 mmol/L and 0.2mmol/L concentration of L-Arg, the velocity of L-Arg transport in HH group was lower than that in NC group, and in HL group higher than in HH group, and in HP group was much higher than that in HH group and in HL group. (3) Light microscopy showed that vessel well area/total area (WA/TA) and media thickness of pulmonary arterioles (PAMT) were much higher in rats of HH group than those in NC group, WA/TA and PAMT in HP group were obviously improved. CONCLUSION: The above results indicated that there existed a functional disturbance in L-Arg transport of pulmonary artery in rats chronically exposed to hypoxia-hypercapnia, and it was obviously enhanced when liposome was used as L-Arg carrier. Thus, it appears that liposome-L-Arg may have clinical perspective in the treatment of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.     

Expression of ROCK I and TGF-β1 in pulmonary arterioles of rat with chronic thromboembolism pulmonary hypertension

AIM:To investigate the dynamic expression of Rho kinase (ROCK I) and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) in pulmonary arterioles of rat with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Sixty-four male Wister rats were randomly divided into eight groups: beginning control group, embolism for 3 d, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks groups and end control group. The pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) model was established by injecting thrombin into jugular vein two times in two weeks and each rat underwent peritoneal injection with tranexamic acid one time a day during experiment to prevent thrombolysis. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), relative medial thickness of small pulmonary arteries (PAMT) and vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA) were measured. The levels of ROCK I mRNA and TGF-β₁ protein in rat pulmonary artery were determined by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and image analysis, respectively. RESULTS: mPAP, PAMT and WA/TA were higher respectively in embolism from 4 weeks group to 12 weeks group than those in beginning control group (mPAP: all P<0.01, PAMT and WA/TA: 4 weeks group P<0.05, 8 weeks group and 12 weeks group P<0.01). RVHI was elevated in 8 weeks group P<0.05, in 12 weeks group P<0.01. ROCK I mRNA and TGF-β₁ protein in pulmonary arterioles got the enhanced positive signals of in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry staining with prolonging the time of rats with pulmonary thromboembolism. ROCKⅠ mRNA: embolism from 3 d group to 2 weeks group P<0.05, 4 weeks group to 12 weeks group P<0.01, TGF-β₁ protein: 1 week group and 2 weeks group P<0.05, 4 weeks group to 12 weeks group P<0.01. Linear correlation analysis showed that ROCK I mRNA and TGF-β₁ protein were positively correlated with mPAP, RVHI and vessel remodeling index (all P<0.01), ROCK I mRNA were positively correlated with TGF-β₁ protein (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:ROCK I and TGF-β₁ play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vessel remodeling. TGF-β₁ produces biological effect by active ROCK signal pathway.     

Relationship between expression of heme oxygenase-1 mRNA and pulmonary hypertention induced by hypoxic hypercapnia

AIM: To study the effect of chronic hypoxic hypercapnia on expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group(A),hypoxic hypercapnic group(B), hypoxic hypercapnia+hemin group(C). HO-1 and HO-1 mRNA were observed in pulmonary arterioles by the technique of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: ① mPAP and weight ratio of right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle plus septum (LV+S) were significantly higher in rats of B group than those of A and C group (P<0.01). Differences of mCAP were not significant in three groups(P>0.05). ② Blood CO concentration was significantly higher in rats of B group than that of A group (P<0.01), it was much higher in C group than that of B group(P<0.01). ③ Light microscopy showed that vessel well area/total area (WA/TA), density of medial smooth muscle cell (SMC) and media thickness of pulmonary arterioles were much higher in rats of B group than those of A and C group (P<0.01). ④ The observation by electron microscopy showed proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells and collageous fibers of pulmonary arterioles in rats of B group, hemin could reverse the changes mentioned above. ⑤ HO-1 and HO-1 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles was significantly higher in rats of B group than those of A group(P<0.01), and they were significantly higher in rats of C group than those of B group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 in pulmonary arterioles was enhanced by hypoxic hypercapnia. Hemin partly inhibited pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vessel remodeling by enhancing the expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1.     

Effect of diltiazem on pulmonary arterial pressure and ceNOS mRNA expression in pulmonary arteries in chronic hypoxic hypercapnic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of diltiazem on mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in arterioles in chronic hypoxic hypercapnic rats. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (A), hypoxic hypercapnic group (B), hypoxic hypercapnia+ diltiazem group (C), constitutive endothelial NOS (ceNOS) were observed in arterioles of rats using the technique of immunohistochemistry, ceNOS mRNA were observed by the technique of in situ hybridization. RESULTS: (1) mPAP was significantly higher in rats of B group than that of A and C group(P<0.01). Differences of mCAP were not significant between A group and B groups (P>0.05), but mCAP was lower in rats of C group than that in B group. (2) Light microscopy showed WA/TA (vessel wall area/total area) was significantly lower in rats of C group than that of B group (P<0.01), electron microscopy showed that diltiazem inhibited the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and collageous fibers of pulmonary arterioles in chronic hypoxic hypercapnic rats. (3) Immunohistochemistry showed the average value of integral light density (LD) of ceNOS in pulmonary arterioles was significantly higher in rats of C group than that of B group (P<0.01), in situ hybridization showed LD of ceNOS mRNA in pulmonary arterioles was significantly higher in rats of C group than that of B group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Diltiazem inhibited pulmonary hypertension, the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and collagenous fibers of pulmonary arterioles in chronic hypoxic hypercapnic rats by incresing the expression of ceNOS in pulmonary arterioles.     

Protective effect of salidroside on rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by suppressing oxidative stress

AIM: To study whether salidroside plays a protective role in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by suppressing oxidative stress. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normoxia (N) group, hypoxia for 4 weeks (H₄) group, low-dose salidroside (hypoxia for 4 weeks and treatment with salidroside at 16 mg/kg, H₄S16) group and high-dose salidroside (hypoxia for 4 weeks and treatment with salidroside at 32 mg/kg, H₄S32) group. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), the weight ratio of right ventricle/(left ventricle+septum)[RV/(LV+S)] and vessel wall area/vessel total area (WA/TA) were evaluated. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and lung tissues were detected by colorimetric method. The levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-iso-PGF_2α) in the serum and lung tissues were measured by ELISA. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum was analyzed by hydroxylamine method. The expression of NAPDH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and SOD1 in the lung tissues was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with N group, the levels of mPAP, RV/(LV+S) and WA/TA in H₄ group were significantly increased, which were apparently attenuated by salidroside injection in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, salidroside administration apparently decreased the levels of MDA and 8-iso-PGF_2α in the serum and lung tissues, as well as the expression of NOX4 in the lung tissues. Besides, compared with N group, the activity of SOD in the serum and the expression of SOD1 in the lung tissues in H₄ group were significantly decreased, while administration of salidroside increased the activity of SOD in the serum and the expression of SOD1 in the lung tissues in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Salidroside protects the pulmonary vessels from remodeling and attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting oxidative stress.     

Expression and distribution of osteopontin in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxia-hypercapnia

AIM: To study the expression and distribution of osteopontin (OPN) in lungs and pulmonary arteries in pulmonary hypertensive rats induced by hypoxia-hypercapnia, and to explore the role of OPN in pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (Weight 180 g-220 g) were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (NC), hypoxic hypercapnia 1-week，2-week and 4-week group (1HH, 2HH and 4HH). The expressions of OPN mRNA and protein in lungs and pulmonary arteries were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. ELISA was used to detect the concentration of OPN in lung homogenates. The content of OPN in pulmonary arteries was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: ① The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum ［RV/(LV+S)］ in all hypoxic hypercapniac groups were higher than those in normal control group (P<0.01), respectively. Differences of mean carotid artery pressure (mCAP) among these four groups were not significant (P>0.05). ② The expression of OPN mRNA was significantly increased in pulmonary arteries and lung tissues in hypoxic hypercapnic groups compared with normal control group (P<0.01). ③ The result of immunohistochemistry showed that OPN was only detected in bronchus and alveolar epithelium, but not detected in pulmonary arterioles of normal control group. In contrast，OPN expression was evident in pulmonary arterioles of 1HH rats，especially in media. Moreover, the expression of OPN was markedly increased in group 2HH and 4HH. ④ OPN levels in lung homogenates in 1HH, 2HH and 4HH were increased by 69%, 128% and 187% (P<0.01), respectively, compared with control rats. ⑤ Western blotting analysis showed that the contents of OPN were significantly higher in all hypoxic hypercapnic groups than those in NC group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The expressions of OPN in pulmonary arteioles and lung are increased in rats with pulmonary hypertension. OPN might play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia.     

Effect of chronic hypoxia on L-Arginine/nitric oxide pathway in rat pulmonary artery

AIM: To study the effect of chronic hypoxia on L-Arginine/NO pathway in rat pulmonary artery. METHODS: Changes in pulmonary artery L-Arginine(L-Arg) transport, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, plasma nitrite level and L-Arg level in HPH rats were investigated. RESULTS: (1) The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) of HPH group were higher than those in control group (P＜0.01). (2) Plasma L-Arg level in HPH group was not significantly changed. (3) At low (0.2 mmol/L)or high(5.0 mmol/L)concentration of L-Arg, the velocity of L-Arg transport in HPH group was lower than that in control group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). (4) The activity of pulmonary artery tNOS, iNOS and cNOS in HPH group were increased by 38.0%, 32.8% and 53.0%, respectively (P＜0.01), compared with control group. (5) Plasma NO level of HPH group was decreased, which was negative correlation to mPAP and RV/LV+S (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: The decrease of nitric oxide generation might result from L-Arg transport injury, while pulmonary artery tNOS, iNOS and cNOS activity were enhanced during chronic hypoxia.     

Expression of Jagged2/Notch3 signaling molecules in pulmonary hypertensive rats induced by monocrotaline

AIM: To study the expression of Jagged2/Notch3 signaling molecules in pulmonary vascular wall of pulmonary hypertensive rats induced by monocrotaline. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (C group,n=15), solvent control group (S group,n=15) and monocrotaline model groups (M group,n=15). The model of pulmonary hypertension was established by a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (50 mg/kg). The rats in S group were given a single subcutaneous injection of the same dose of solvent. After 4 weeks, the pulmonary vascular remodeling was assessed by HE staining, and the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were determined by right heart catheterization. The expression of Jagged2/Notch3/Hes5 molecules in the pulmonary vascular wall was detected by immunohistochemical method and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with S group and C group, the percentage of medial wall thickness of smaller arteries in model group increased significantly (P<0.01). The levels of mPAP and RVSP in M group were significantly higher than those in S group and C groups (P<0.01). The results of real-time PCR showed that the expression of Jagged2, Notch3 and Hes5 was significantly increased in M group compared with S group and C group. The data from immunohistochemical detection indicated that Jagged2 mainly expressed in the intima of small lung artery, Notch3 and Hes5 mainly expressed in the medial smooth muscle cells. Compared with S group and C group, the expression of Jagged2 and Notch3 was significantly increased in the lung small arteries of M group. CONCLUSION: The activation of Jagged2/Notch3 signaling pathway might play an important role in the formation of pulmonary hypertension.     

Relationship between airway inflammation and pulmonary arterial remodeling in rats with chronic bronchitis and emphysema

AIM:To study the effects of airway and pulmonary inflammation on pulmonary arterial remodeling in rats with chronic bronchitis (CB) and emphysema.METHODS:Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=8): Group A: four-weeks CB and emphysema;Group B: six-weeks CB and emphysema group;Group C: normal control.The rat model of CB and emphysema was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and daily exposure to cigarette smog.The arterial blood gas analysis,pulmonary hemodynamics changes and cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured.The pathomorphological changes of airway inflammation,alveoli destruction and pulmonary arterial remodeling were observed by HE straining and triple straining.RESULTS:(1) The characteristic pathological changes of CB and emphysema were observed in group A and B.Neutrophils were the main cells infiltrated into the walls of airway in group A.Lymphocytes and macrophages were the main cells in group B.(2) Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP),mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP),the ratio of the weight of right ventricle/left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) in group A and B were significantly higher than those in group C (P<0.05).The amount of muscular artery (MA) in group A and B were significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05).(3) In group A and B,the levels of MA,RVSP,mPAP and RV/LV+S was correlated positively with the average alveolar area,the total cell counts and differential cell counts of neutrophils,lymphocytes and macrophages in BALF,and the level of infiltration into the walls of airway,respectively (P<0.05).The positive correlation was observed with the percentage of neutrophils,lymphocytes and macrophages between group A and B (P<0.05).The amounts of MA were also correlated positively with RVSP,mPAP and RV/LV+S (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:(1) The pulmonary artery hypertension,the right ventricular hypertrophy and the pulmonary arterial remodeling appeared before hypoxia.These may be related with the degree of the pulmonary inflammation.(2) The characteristic of pulmonary arterial remodeling was small artery organization,and correlated positively with the changes of hemodynamics.     

Expression and distribution of 5-HT1B receptors in lung tissue in rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension

AIM: To investigate the changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)levels and to observe the expression and distribution of 5-HT_1B receptors in the lung tissues of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH) rats for exploring the mechanisms of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normoxia control(control group), 3 weeks hypoxia group, 4 weeks hypoxia group and 5 weeks hypoxia group. The rats in normoxia control group stayed in normal environment. The rats in 3 weeks hypoxia group, 4 weeks hypoxia group and 5 weeks hypoxia group were kept respectively in hypoxia chamber for 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 5 weeks respectively to establish the HPH animal model. After HPH was established, the mean pulmonary pressure(mPAP) and the right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP) were recorded by a micro-catheter. RV/(LV+S) ratio was calculated to assess the right ventricular hypertrophy. 5-HT levels in plasma and lung tissues of HPH rats were measured by ELISA. The expression and distribution of 5-HT_1B receptors in the lung tissues were measured by the methods of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared to the normoxia controls, mPAP, RVSP and RV/(LV+S)% in 3 weeks hypoxic rats increased significantly(P<0.05), and continued to increase following prolonged hypoxia. The results of ELISA showed that 5-HT levels in plasma and lung tissues of HPH rats continued to increase following prolonged hypoxic exposure(P<0.05). The 5-HT_1B receptors were localized mainly in the intima of the pulmonary arteries in normal rats. Exposed to hypoxia, the immuno-reactivity for 5-HT_1B receptors increased in the media of pulmonary arteries in 3 weeks hypoxic rats, particularly those bordering the adventitia. The increase in the expression of 5-HT_1B receptor was observed following prolonged hypoxic exposure. The results of Western blotting showed the same changes of 5-HT_1B receptor expression in the lung tissues as that of 5-HT_1B immuno-reactivity in pulmonary arteries.CONCLUSION: Hypoxia induces the high 5-HT levels and the over-expression of 5-HT_1B receptors in the pulmonary arteries of HPH rats, indicating the underlying mechanism of 5-HT in the development of HPH.     

The regulation of nitric-oxide synthase/nitric-oxide system by endogenous carbon monoxide in rats with pulmonary hypertension

AIM:To study the role and the mechanism of heme oxygenas/endogenous carbon monoxide on nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide system in rats with pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxic hypercapnia.METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (A group), hypoxic hypercapnic group (B group), hypoxic hypercapnia+hemin group (C group). Blood CO concentration (COHb%), NO concentration, HO-1 activity, iNOS, cNOS in blood serum and lung homogenate were measured, respectively. RESULTS:① mPAP and RV/(LV+S) of B group were significantly higher than those of A and C group(P＜0.01).② Blood CO concentration, activity of HO-1in blood serum and lung homogenate in rats of B group were significantly higher than those of A group, but were significantly lower than those of C group (P＜0.01). ③ NO concentration in blood serum and lung homogenate in rats of B group were significantly lower than those of A group, those of C group were significantly higher than those of B group (P＜0.01).④The activity of iNOS in blood serum and lung homogenate in rats of B group were significantly higher than those of A group, but were significantly lower than those of C group (P＜0.01). Activity of cNOS in blood serum and lung homogenate of B group were significantly lower than those of A group (P＜0.01), and there was no significant difference between cNOS in B and C group.CONCLUSION:Endogenous carbon monoxide upregulated iNOS/NO system in rats with chronic pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxic hypercapnia.     

The expression of adrenomedullin mRNA in the right ventricle in chronic hypoxic rats

AIM: To study the role of adrenomedullin(AM) in the pathogenesis of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Rats were exposed to chronic hypoxia for 14 days. After the measurement of the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), the rats were executed. The weight of the right ventricle (RV), the left ventricle(LV) and the ventricular septum(SP) were determined. The ration RV/(LV+SP) was used to express the thickness of RV. In situ hybridization was used for the detection of the expression of AM mRNA in the lung and RV. RESULTS: The RVSP in the hypoxic group was (63.63±3.42) mmHg,which was significantly higher than that in control group [(34.13±3.40) mmHg]. The RV/(LV+SP) in hypoxic group was 0.439±0.039,which was increased obviously when compared with that of control (0.230±0.025). The level of AM mRNA expressed in the RV in the hypoxia group was significantly higher than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: The expression of AM mRNA in RV increased in the hypoxic condition, which suggests that AM may attenuate the inappropriate increase in pulmonary artery pressure.