Treatment with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and rock inhibitors is related to declined nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling in an experimental model of rat pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies reveal that nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a critical role in the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of the present study is to clarify the relationship between NGF signaling and treatment with PDGF or ROCK inhibitors in an animal model of PH. METHODS: Lung tissues were obtained from animals with monocrotaline (MCT)-challenged PH which had been administered long term imatinib, fasudil or statin. Reversal of disease was indicated by decreases in right ventricle pressure (RVP) and hypertrophy. NGF expression was examined at the mRNA and protein levels using quantitative real-time PCR reaction and ELISA. RESULTS: MCT significantly increased NGF mRNA and protein content in lung tissue. ROCK inhibitor (fasudil) and PDGF inhibitor (imatinib) caused significant decreases in NGF mRNA and protein content when administered alone, with no further effects noted when used in combination. CONCLUSION: The beneficial reversal of MCT-mediated effects in PH caused by PDGF or ROCK inhibition may be also partially mediated by decreased NGF signaling.