Electrical Vagal Nerve Stimulation Ameliorates Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling and Improves Survival in Rats With Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of electrical vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) on severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in a rat model. In a pathophysiological study, VNS significantly restored autonomic balance, decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling, and preserved right ventricular function. In a survival study, VNS significantly improved the survival rate in both the prevention (VNS from 0 to 5 weeks after a SU5416 injection) and treatment (VNS from 5 to 10 weeks) protocols. Thus, VNS may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

SUBMITTER: Yoshida K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6234524 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature