Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Bosentan Treatment in Rats: Focus on Plasma and Erythrocyte Parameters

Abstract

The objective of our study was to contribute to the characterization of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a rat model, with emphasis on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, parameters of oxidative stress, the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, and erythrocyte parameters. Moreover, we aimed to analyze the effects of bosentan. Experiments were performed on 12-week-old male Wistar rats randomly assigned to 3 groups: control, monocrotaline-treated (60 mg/kg), and monocrotaline combined with bosentan (300 mg/kg/day). Our study confirmed the well-known effects of monocrotaline administration on lungs and the right ventricle, as well as pulmonary arterial pressure. In addition, we observed activation of the alternative pathway of the renin–angiotensin system, namely an increase in angiotensin (Ang) 1–7 and Ang 1-5 together with an increase in Ang I, but without any change in Ang II level, and downregulation of aldosterone 4 weeks after monocrotaline administration. For the first time, modifications of erythrocyte Na,K-ATPase enzyme kinetics were demonstrated as well. Our observations do not support data obtained in PAH patients showing an increase in Ang II levels, increase in oxidative stress, and deterioration in RBC deformability. Although bosentan primarily targets the vascular smooth muscle, our study confirmed its antioxidant effect. The obtained data suggest that besides the known action of bosentan, it decreases heart rate and increases erythrocyte deformability, and hence could have a beneficial hemodynamic effect in the PAH condition.

Effect of Benidipine Alone and in Combination With Bosentan and Sildenafil in Amelioration of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Experimental Model in Rats

“…MCT induces PAH by causing endothelial cell damage, resulting in pulmonary vascular remodeling, increased vascular resistance, proliferation of smooth muscles, endothelial dysfunction, upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and compensatory right ventricular hypertrophy, ultimately leading to right heart failure. 15,16…”

“…MCT induces PAH by causing endothelial cell damage, resulting in pulmonary vascular remodeling, increased vascular resistance, proliferation of smooth muscles, endothelial dysfunction, upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and compensatory right ventricular hypertrophy, ultimately leading to right heart failure. 15,16 MCT was dissolved in 1 N HCl at pH 7.4 after this solution was mixed with distilled water and administered subcutaneous injection as a single dose of 50 mg/kg to animals. 4,17…”