Effects of fasudil on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats.

AIM :Theaimofthisstudywasto investigate the effects of Rho kinase inhibitor-Fa - sudil on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) andpulmonaryvascularremodelinginrats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 SpragueDawleyratswereevenlyrandomizedinto control, model and Fasudil intervention groups. Lightandtransmissionelectronmicroscopywere utilized to observe pulmonary vascular remodel- ing as well as ultrastructural changes in pul- monaryarterioleendothelialcells. RESULTS: The model group showed apparent pulmonaryvascularremodeling,pulmonaryarte - riole endothelial cell injury, the proliferation and swellingofsmoothmusclecellsaround,andthe proliferation of collagen fibers. Fasudil interven - tion improved pulmonary vascular remodeling aswellasrelievedpulmonaryarterioleendothe - lial cell injury and the proliferation of smooth musclecellsandcollagenfibers. CONCLUSIONS: Fasudil has preventive and reverse effects on HPH, pulmonary vascular re - modeling, and pulmonary arteriole endothelial cellinjury.