L-arginine impacts pulmonary vascular structure in rats with an aortocaval shunt.
J Surg Res
; 108(1): 20-31, 2002 Nov.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12443711
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The present study was designed to explore the therapeutic effect of L-arginine on the proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in high pulmonary blood flow-induced pulmonary hypertension and therefore to provide a basis for the mechanism by which L-arginine regulated pulmonary hypertension. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
Twenty-one male SD rats were randomly divided into shunting group, shunting with L-arginine group, and control group. Abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava shunting was produced in rats of the shunting group and the shunting with L-arginine group. Pulmonary artery mean pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular microstructure were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry for proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Fas expressions and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively.RESULTS:
mPAP, RV/BW, and RV/LV + S were significantly increased in shunted rats compared to normal controls (P < 0.01, respectively). Pulmonary vascular structural remodeling developed in shunted rats. Proliferative index (PI), apoptotic index (AI), and the ratio of PI/AI of pulmonary artery SMCs in the rats of shunting group were elevated obviously (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the expressing integral score of Fas was elevated in the shunting group (P < 0.01). However, L-arginine significantly attenuated pulmonary artery pressure and ameliorated pulmonary vascular structural remodeling. Also, it reduced PI and again augmented AI of pulmonary artery SMCs. The ratio of PI/AI was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). The expressing integral score of Fas was again augmented by L-arginine (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS:
L-Arginine could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of pulmonary artery SMCs in shunted rats.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Arginine
/
Pulmonary Artery
/
Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical
/
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
J Surg Res
Year:
2002
Document type:
Article