[Prevention of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension with "qi-xue" injection]

Effects of "Qi-Xue" injection (Panax ginseng, Astragalus monogholicus, Angelica sinensis), verapamil (Vp, calcium antagonist) and their combination on pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and heart function were studied in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia. Male Wistar rats were divided into sea level (n = 9), hypoxic (n = 8). Chinese herbs (n = 15), Vp (n = 20) and herbs + Vp (n = 18) groups. All the rats, except the SL group, were placed in a hypobaric chamber simulating an altitude of 5000 m above sea level for 15 days. During this time, the aforementioned drugs were given i.p. bid every day. It was found that apparent increase of PAP and decrease of IC-R (index of contractility of right ventricle) were induced by hypoxia without significant change of CAP, HR or left ventricular function. Both "Qi-Xue" injection and Vp minimized the increase in PAP due to hypoxia, with the former being more effective than the latter. "Qi-Xue" injection also attenuated IC-R decrease and kept it in the normal range. No appreciable differences were observed between the effect of "Qi-Xue" and its combination with Vp. It is suggested that "Qi-Xue" injection might prevent the development of severe hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by improving heart function.