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Updated: May 21, 2026
The Left Pneumonectomy Combined with Monocrotaline or Sugen as a Model of Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats
Published on: March 8, 2019
[Pathological changes of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in miniature pigs]
Jin Zhao1, Rong Liu, Hongtao Li
1First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, China. zhaojin34@163.com
Objective:
To observe the pathological changes in the myocardial and pulmonary tissues in miniature pigs with chronic pulmonary hypertension induced by monocrotaline (MCT).
Methods:
Twelve male miniature pigs (weigh 15.0-18.0 kg, aged 4.0-4.5 months) were examined for baseline mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), followed by intraperitoneal injection of 10.0 mg/kg MCT in 10 randomly selected pigs. The mean pulmonary artery pressure at 4 and 8 weeks were determined, and the pathological changes in the myocardial and pulmonary tissues were observed.
Results:
The baseline mPAP of normal miniature pigs was 15.19∓0.70 mmHg. At 4 and 8 weeks after MCT injection, the sPAP and dPAP were 19.69∓2.47 mmHg and 25.62∓4.88 mmHg, respectively, and the mPAP increased significantly compared with that of the normal control group (P<0.01). Obvious pathological changes such as pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy were found in the pigs 4 weeks after MCT injection, and at 8 weeks, significant pathological changes occurred including right ventricular fibrosis and thickening of the tunica media of the pulmonary artery.
Conclusion:
MCT can cause pulmonary hypertension in miniature pigs 8 weeks after drug administration, shown as increased pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Insights
Monocrotaline (MCT) induces pulmonary hypertension in miniature pigs, causing increased pulmonary artery pressure and vascular remodeling. Pathological changes, including right ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, were observed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Pulmonary hypertension models
- Animal pathology
Context:
- Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe condition with limited treatment options.
- Animal models are crucial for understanding PH pathophysiology and developing therapies.
- Monocrotaline (MCT) is a known toxin that can induce pulmonary vascular damage.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathological alterations in myocardial and pulmonary tissues of miniature pigs following MCT-induced chronic pulmonary hypertension.
- To establish and characterize a preclinical model for studying pulmonary hypertension.
Summary:
- Miniature pigs received an intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline (MCT).
- Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was monitored at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks post-injection.
- Pathological examination of myocardial and pulmonary tissues was performed to assess disease progression.
Impact:
- This study demonstrates that MCT reliably induces pulmonary hypertension in miniature pigs within 8 weeks.
- The observed pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular changes provide insights into PH development.
- This model can be utilized for preclinical testing of novel anti-pulmonary hypertension agents.
