Changes of vascular endothelial growth factor in chronic pulmonary hypertension rats with different hypoxia and hypercapnia duration / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pulmonary circulation of rats with different hypoxia and hypercapnia duration. METHODS: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into normol control group (N), exposed to hypoxia hypercapnia for 2 weeks group (T), for 4 weeks group (F), for 8 weeks group (E). The levels of VEGF were measured and the ultrastructure of pulmonary arterioles was observed by electron microscopy. RESULTS: Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), weight ratio of RV to LV+S, the levels of VEGF in serum and lung tissue, the expression of VEGF and VEGF mRNA in group T, F, E were significantly higher than that in group N. With the prolong duration, base of endothelial cell was narrowed, proliferation of smooth muscle cells and collagenous fibers of pulmonary arterioles in rats were increased gradually. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia and hypercapnia increase the expression of VEGF mRNA and synthesis of VEGF. VEGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypoxia pulmonary hypertension and reconstruction of pulmonary artery.