The level of platelet activating factor in blood of rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Cheng, D.; Chen, W.; Yang, X.
Hua Xi Yi Ke da Xue Xue Bao 27(2): 139-142
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-7712 PMID: 9389027 Document Number: 455934
Because hypoxia is a known predisposing factor for pulmonary hypertension, we investigated the effects of hypoxia and platelet activating factor (PAF) on the development of pulmonary hypertension in rats. Male Wistar rats were made hypoxic by placing them in a isobaric hypoxic chambar (O2 = 10%) for 3 weeks; the rats developed pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. We found that PAF level in blood of rats were significantly elevated at 2-3 weeks of hypoxia (280.8 +/- 119.7 ng/ml and 324.2 +/- 67.6 ng/ml vs 148.3 +/- 60.2 ng/ml). Therefore, we conclude that PAF plays a central role in mediating hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.