Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
09:40
Induction of Right Ventricular Failure by Pulmonary Artery Constriction and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Mice
Published on: May 13, 2019
10.5K
Incomplete reverse remodeling in pulmonary hypertension-induced right ventricular dysfunction in aged mice
Benjamin D McNair1, Sushumna B Satyanarayana1, Julian M Matthews1
1Kinesiology & Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
Physiological Reports
|June 12, 2025
Summary
The aged right ventricle (RV) can reverse pathological remodeling after pulmonary hypertension (PH) resolves. However, RV function remains impaired, highlighting a need for therapies targeting RV dysfunction in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Aging Research
- Pulmonary Hypertension
Background:
- Right ventricular (RV) function is critical for survival in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and age-related heart disease.
- Current therapies do not improve RV function, necessitating research into RV reverse remodeling mechanisms.
- RV failure is a significant concern in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if aged RVs can undergo reverse remodeling after resolving PH-induced pathological afterload.
- To assess the impact of PH resolution on RV morphology and function in aged mice.
Main Methods:
- Aged C57BL/6 mice (18-21 months) were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) for 4 weeks to induce PH.
- Mice were returned to normoxia for 3 or 6 weeks to model PH resolution and recovery.
- RV hypertrophy, fibrosis, fractional area change (FAC), and stroke volume (SV) were assessed.
Main Results:
- PH induced RV hypertrophy and fibrosis, which were reduced after normoxia re-exposure (WK3RR and WK6RR).
- Activation of autophagy and anti-fibrotic pathways were observed, correlating with morphological reverse remodeling.
- Despite morphological improvements, RV systolic function (FAC and SV) did not recover after PH resolution.
Conclusions:
- The aged RV demonstrates capacity for morphological reverse remodeling upon removal of pathological load.
- RV function remains significantly impaired even after successful morphological recovery.
- Further research into RV reverse remodeling mechanisms is crucial for developing therapies for age-related RV dysfunction.
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