Effects of ginkgolide B on isobaric hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats.
Parole chiave
Astratto
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of Ginkgolide B, a specific platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling.
METHODS
Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, receiving normal saline, Ginkgolide B, isobaric hypoxia and isobaric hypoxia plus Ginkgolide B respectively. Pulmonary hemodynamics were assessed via right heart catheterization. Pulmonary vascular remodeling were examined by a computerized image analyser.
RESULTS
Chronic hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.10, 3 weeks) caused pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy in rats. Treatment with Ginkgolide B reduced the extent of pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy induced by hypoxic exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that PAF participates in the process of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling, and PAF antagonist could be a potentially useful agent for preventing hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
