| Abstract: | In this study, the effects of chronic administration of tetrandrine (TET) on monocrotaline (MCT) induced pulmonary hypertension were investigated. The results showed that MCT induced marked pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy; TET 50 mg kg?1 and 100 mg kg?1 significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa, from 5.2 ± 0.48 kPa to 4.35 ± 0.69 kPa, P < 0.05 and to 3.79 ± 0.84 kPa, P < 0.05, respectively) without marked influence on systemic arterial pressure (Psa). TET restored right ventricular hypertrophy (right ventricular index significantly decreased from 0.41 to 0.37 and 0.32, respectively). Histological findings showed that TET restored MCT-induced lung tissues and vascular lesion and pulmonary arteries media hypertrophy. We conclude that chronic administration of TET does have selective effects on pulmonary hypertension produced by MCT. Drug Dev. Res. 39:158–160. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
