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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

A Model of Reverse Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease by Aortic Debanding in Rats
Published on: March 1, 2022
[The vasoactive material and pulmonary vascular structural remodeling in rats]
Qiu-Hong Chen1, Xiao-Qin Wang, Man-Tang Yu
1Qinghai High Altitude Medical Sciences Institute, Xining 810012, China.
Aim:
To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) on pulmonary vascular structural remodeling in rats and pika.
Methods:
The Wistar rats which reside at 2 260 m were carried to 3 417 m. After they were fed 24 hours,2 weeks and 3 weeks respectively, the level of VEGF and ET-1 were measured using a kit by ELISA method. Pulmonary tissue was taken out to stain with elastica-Van Gieson. The amount of pulmonary arteries (< 100 microm) and the component ratio of MA, PMA,and NMA were calculated by using a light microscope. The ratio of right ventricle weight to left ventricle plus septum weight (RV/LV + S) were measured.
Results:
The ET-1 was significantly different in pika as compared with 24 h, 2 weeks, 3 weeks hypoxic rats (P < 0.01) respectively. The levels of VEGF in 2 weeks, 3 weeks rats were much higher than that of pika but no difference was found between pika and 24 h hypoxic rats. The ratio of MA, PMA obviously increased, and NMA decreased significantly, right ventricular hypertrophy was developed in differ groups of hypoxic rats.
Conclusion:
The VEGF and ET-1 participate the muscularization of pulmonary vessels during hypoxia and play an important role in the process of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats, however the VEGF and ET-1 may be maintainable only normal organic function in pika.

