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Effects of ginkgolide B on isobaric hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats
1Department of Internal Medicine, First University Hospital, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of Ginkgolide B, a specific platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Materials And 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.