Effects of ginkgolide B on isobaric hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats.

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.