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Ferrer E, Dunmore BJ, Hassan D, Ormiston ML, Moore S, Deighton J, Long L, Yang XD, Stewart DJ, Morrell NW. A Potential Role for Exosomal Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein Export in Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2019; 59:467-478. [PMID: 29676587 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0129oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of pulmonary vascular cells. Increased expression of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), a prosurvival and antiapoptotic mediator, has recently been demonstrated in patients with heritable PAH; however, its role in the pathobiology of PAH remains unclear. Silencing of TCTP in blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) isolated from control subjects led to significant changes in morphology, cytoskeletal organization, increased apoptosis, and decreased directionality during migration. Because TCTP is also localized in extracellular vesicles, we isolated BOEC-derived extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microparticles) by sequential ultracentrifugation. BOECs isolated from patients harboring BMPR2 mutations released more exosomes than those derived from control subjects in proapoptotic conditions. Furthermore, TCTP expression was significantly higher in exosomes than in microparticles, indicating that TCTP is mainly exported via exosomes. Coculture assays demonstrated that exosomes transferred TCTP from ECs to pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, suggesting a role for endothelial-derived TCTP in conferring proliferation and apoptotic resistance. In an experimental model of PAH, rats treated with monocrotaline demonstrated increased concentrations of TCTP in the lung and plasma. Consistent with this finding, we observed increased circulating TCTP levels in patients with idiopathic PAH compared with control subjects. Therefore, our data suggest an important role for TCTP in regulating the critical vascular cell phenotypes that have been implicated in the pathobiology of PAH. In addition, this research implicates TCTP as a potential biomarker for the onset and development of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Ferrer
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin J Dunmore
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dhiya Hassan
- 2 Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- 3 Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences.,4 Department of Medicine, and.,5 Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Moore
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John Deighton
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lu Long
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xu Dong Yang
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan J Stewart
- 2 Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- 1 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Kharin SN, Krandycheva VV, Tsvetkova AS, Shumikhin KV. Remodeling of ventricular repolarization in experimental right ventricular hypertrophy. J Electrocardiol 2017; 50:626-633. [PMID: 28554514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To understand electrophysiological mechanisms that underlie the progression of compensated right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) to heart failure, the purpose of the study was to evaluate remodeling of ventricular repolarization in connection with hemodynamic abnormalities and vulnerability of the heart ventricles to arrhythmias in RVH rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and heart failure. METHODS PAH followed by heart failure was induced by monocrotaline in adult female Wistar rats. Unipolar epicardial electrograms and cardiac hemodynamic parameters were recorded in situ. Vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias was measured as the threshold dose of aconitine required to produce sustained ventricular tachycardia. Histological examination of the heart ventricles was performed. Activation-recovery intervals (ARIs) and ARI dispersions were used as indices of durations and heterogeneity of repolarization respectively to assess ventricular repolarization. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The development of compensated RVH was characterized by the dramatic prolongation of repolarization against the less expressed increase in repolarization heterogeneity, whereas the dramatic increase in repolarization heterogeneity against the less expressed but inhomogeneous prolongation of repolarization occurred in the progression of compensated RVH to heart failure. These changes increased vulnerability of the failing heart but not the compensated heart to aconitine-induced ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Kharin
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 50 Pervomayskaya Street, GSP-2, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation; Department of Physiology, Medical Institute, Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education «Syktyvkar State University named after Pitirim Sorokin», 11 Babushkin Street, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation.
| | - V V Krandycheva
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 50 Pervomayskaya Street, GSP-2, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation; Department of Physiology, Medical Institute, Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education «Syktyvkar State University named after Pitirim Sorokin», 11 Babushkin Street, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation
| | - A S Tsvetkova
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 50 Pervomayskaya Street, GSP-2, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation
| | - K V Shumikhin
- Department of Physiology, Medical Institute, Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education «Syktyvkar State University named after Pitirim Sorokin», 11 Babushkin Street, Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation
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Quercetin Inhibits Pulmonary Arterial Endothelial Cell Transdifferentiation Possibly by Akt and Erk1/2 Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:6147294. [PMID: 28428963 PMCID: PMC5385898 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6147294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of quercetin on pulmonary arterial endothelial cell (PAEC) transdifferentiation into smooth muscle-like cells. TGF-β1-induced PAEC transdifferentiation models were applied to evaluate the pharmacological actions of quercetin. PAEC proliferation was detected with CCK8 method and BurdU immunocytochemistry. Meanwhile, the identification and transdifferentiation of PAECs were determined by FVIII immunofluorescence staining and α-SMA protein expression. The related mechanism was elucidated based on the levels of Akt and Erk1/2 signal pathways. As a result, quercetin effectively inhibited the TGF-β1-induced proliferation and transdifferentiation of the PAECs and activation of Akt/Erk1/2 cascade in the cells. In conclusion, quercetin is demonstrated to be effective for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) probably by inhibiting endothelial transdifferentiation possibly via modulating Akt and Erk1/2 expressions.
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4
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Lynch JJ, Van Vleet TR, Mittelstadt SW, Blomme EAG. Potential functional and pathological side effects related to off-target pharmacological activity. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 87:108-126. [PMID: 28216264 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Most pharmaceutical companies test their discovery-stage proprietary molecules in a battery of in vitro pharmacology assays to try to determine off-target interactions. During all phases of drug discovery and development, various questions arise regarding potential side effects associated with such off-target pharmacological activity. Here we present a scientific literature curation effort undertaken to determine and summarize the most likely functional and pathological outcomes associated with interactions at 70 receptors, enzymes, ion channels and transporters with established links to adverse effects. To that end, the scientific literature was reviewed using an on-line database, and the most commonly reported effects were summarized in tabular format. The resultant table should serve as a practical guide for research scientists and clinical investigators for the prediction and interpretation of adverse side effects associated with molecules interacting with components of this screening battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Lynch
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | | | | | - Eric A G Blomme
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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5
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Bal E, Ilgin S, Atli O, Ergun B, Sirmagul B. The effects of gender difference on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 32:766-74. [PMID: 23821593 DOI: 10.1177/0960327113477874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare the effect of gender difference on hemodynamic consequences in the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rat. The effect of antioxidant enzyme systems on the development of pulmonary hypertension mediated by the phytotoxin MCT and the effect of gender on these antioxidant systems were also investigated. For this purpose, the right ventricular pressures (RVPs) and right ventricular/heart weight (HW) ratios were compared between groups and the glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in lung and liver tissue samples of rats. RVP and right ventricular/HW ratios significantly increased in the MCT group compared to the control group. In the MCT group, RVP was significantly higher in males than females. MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension resulted in decreased GSH level, decreased GST and SOD activities and increased CAT activity in lung and liver tissues of both male and female rats. In addition, the lung and liver GSH level and GST and SOD levels were higher in female control rats compared to male control rats. The results of the present study, that antioxidant enzyme activities were different between the groups, highlight the possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. Moreover, the lower antioxidant defense capacity of male rats than female rats may be considered as a cause of more aggressive course of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in males compared to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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Liu M, Wang Y, Wang HM, Bai Y, Zhang XH, Sun YX, Wang HL. Fluoxetine attenuates chronic methamphetamine-induced pulmonary arterial remodelling: possible involvement of serotonin transporter and serotonin 1B receptor. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2013; 112:77-82. [PMID: 22900600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2012.00933.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data have shown that methamphetamine (MA) abuse significantly increases the risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To investigate whether MA could induce PAH and its possible mechanism, rats were exposed daily to MA for 5 weeks in the absence or presence of fluoxetine. The results showed that the pulmonary arterial pressure was not significantly increased, but the pulmonary arterial remodelling was markedly developed in the MA exposure group. The protein expressions of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and 5-HT(1B) receptor were increased in the lungs and in the pulmonary arteries of MA-treated rats. Fluoxetine attenuated the pulmonary arterial remodelling and down-regulated the protein expression of 5-HTT and 5-HT(1B) receptor in pulmonary arteries of MA-treated rats. These findings suggest that fluoxetine has a novel potential suppressive effect on the chronic MA-induced pulmonary vascular remodelling and also suggest that 5-HTT and 5-HT(1B) receptor may be involved as part of its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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7
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Delaney C, Gien J, Roe G, Isenberg N, Kailey J, Abman SH. Serotonin contributes to high pulmonary vascular tone in a sheep model of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 304:L894-901. [PMID: 23605003 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00043.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although past studies demonstrate that altered serotonin (5-HT) signaling is present in adults with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, whether serotonin contributes to the pathogenesis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is unknown. We hypothesized that 5-HT contributes to increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in a sheep model of PPHN and that selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment increases PVR in this model. We studied the hemodynamic effects of 5-HT, ketanserin (5-HT2A receptor antagonist), and sertraline, an SSRI, on pulmonary hemodynamics of the late gestation fetal sheep with PPHN caused by prolonged constriction of the ductus arteriosis. Brief intrapulmonary infusions of 5-HT increased PVR from 1.0 ± 0.07 (baseline) to 1.4 ± 0.22 mmHg/ml per minute of treatment (P < 0.05). Ketanserin decreased PVR from 1.1 ± 0.15 (baseline) to 0.82 ± 0.09 mmHg/ml per minute of treatment (P < 0.05). Sertraline increased PVR from 1.1 ± 0.17 (baseline) to 1.4 ± 0.17 mmHg/ml per minute of treatment (P = 0.01). In addition, we studied 5-HT production and activity in vitro in experimental PPHN. Compared with controls, pulmonary artery endothelial cells from fetal sheep with PPHN exhibited increased expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 and 5-HT production by twofold and 56%, respectively. Compared with controls, 5-HT2A R expression was increased in lung homogenates and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell lysates by 35% and 32%, respectively. We concluded that increased 5-HT contributes to high PVR in experimental PPHN through activation of the 5-HT2A receptor and that SSRI infusion further increases PVR in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Delaney
- Pediatric Heart Lung Center, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Wang Y, Liu M, Wang HM, Bai Y, Zhang XH, Sun YX, Wang HL. Involvement of serotonin mechanism in methamphetamine-induced chronic pulmonary toxicity in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:736-46. [PMID: 23515494 DOI: 10.1177/0960327112468174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The widest distribution and the highest uptake of methamphetamine (MA) in the human body occurred in the lungs, so that more and more attention should be paid to MA-induced pulmonary toxicity. MA induces the release of serotonin, which is an important mediator in pulmonary disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the chronic response of the lung to MA and its potential mechanism in rats. Models of the chronic toxicity of MA were established with MA of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneally, twice per day) for 5 weeks. It was found that the high dose of MA induced rat pulmonary toxicity: crowded lung parenchyma, thickened septum, reduced number of alveolar sacs, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling. In addition, MA resulted in a significant increase in the lung serotonin concentration and the marked upregulation of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, serotonin transporter, and downregulation of monoamine oxidase-A. These findings suggest that MA induced chronic pulmonary toxicity, which is concerned with the elevated serotonin concentration in rat lungs by increased synthesis, reduced metabolism, augmented accumulation, and promoted release of serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Wang HM, Wang Y, Liu M, Bai Y, Zhang XH, Sun YX, Wang HL. Fluoxetine inhibits monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling involved in inhibition of RhoA–Rho kinase and Akt signalling pathways in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2012. [DOI: 10.1139/y2012-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the small GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) are important in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors inhibit activation of RhoA and ROCK in vitro, and ameliorate PAH and pulmonary arterial remodeling in vivo. However, little is known about whether the RhoA–ROCK signalling pathway is involved in the treatment of PAH with fluoxetine in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of the RhoA–ROCK signalling pathway in the protective effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine against monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling. MCT was applied to establish PAH in male Wistar rats. Fluoxetine was administered by gastric gavage once a day for 21 d. The results showed that MCT induced pulmonary arterial remodeling, raised the serotonylation and membrane translocation of RhoA in the lungs, and increased serotonin transporter (5-HTT), RhoA, and ROCK2 expression, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt phosphorylation in the pulmonary arteries and the lungs. Fluoxetine markedly inhibited these MCT-induced changes. The findings suggest that fluoxetine inhibits MCT-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling in rats by inhibition of the RhoA–ROCK and Akt signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ming Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Drug Control, China Criminal Police University, No. 83, Tawan Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, 110035, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xin-Hua Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ying-Xian Sun
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Huai-Liang Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and National Key Subject, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, China Medical University, No. 92, the 2nd North Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
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Lim K, Sanders A, Brain U, Riggs W, Oberlander TF, Rurak D. Third trimester fetal pulmonary artery Doppler blood flow velocity characteristics following prenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure. Early Hum Dev 2012; 88:609-15. [PMID: 22305713 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been contradictory reports on the risks of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in infants exposed to SSRIs in utero. However, there has been no assessment of fetal pulmonary arterial dynamics in such pregnancies. AIMS AND SUBJECTS: To measure fetal right pulmonary artery (RPA) variables using Doppler ultrasound at 36 weeks gestation in fetuses of mothers taking SSRI antidepressants (n=23) and in a control, normal pregnancy group (n=35). OUTCOME MEASURES At 36 weeks gestation, Doppler ultrasound estimates of Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistance Index (RI), vessel diameter, peak systolic velocity, mean velocity and volume flow were obtained from the fetal right pulmonary artery in a morning session (~0830), before the SSRI mothers took their daily drug dose and in an afternoon session (~1300). Venous blood was drawn at 5 time points across the day (~08:30AM, ~10:30AM, ~13:00PM, ~13:45PM, and ~15:00PM) from the SSRI treated mothers for measurement of plasma SSRI concentration using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS There were no differences in the RPA Doppler measures between the control and SSRI-exposed fetuses. However 8 of the 23 latter fetuses experience transient respiratory difficulties at birth and, in these RPA flow was significantly higher than in the SSR-exposed fetuses without respiratory problems. There were, however, no differences in RPA PI and RI between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS In SSRI-exposed infants with transient postnatal respiratory difficulties, fetal RPA flow in increased, likely due to partial constriction of the ductus arteriosus. However, this was not associated with PPHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Lim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, 50 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Han DD, Wang Y, Zhang XH, Liu JR, Wang HL. Fluoxetine protects against monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling by inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2012; 90:445-54. [PMID: 22448962 DOI: 10.1139/y2012-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor fluoxetine has been shown to protect against monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. To investigate the possible role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mediating this protective effect, MCT-treated rats were administered fluoxetine by gavage, at doses of 2 mg/kg body mass or 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 weeks. Changes in pulmonary hemodynamic parameters, pulmonary artery morphologies, and expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF were assessed. Fluoxetine at the 10 mg/kg dose, but not at the 2 mg/kg dose, attenuated the effects of MCT on pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricle index, and medial wall thickness. In addition, 10 mg/kg fluoxetine mitigated the MCT-induced up-regulation of HIF-1α and VEGF protein and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lungs. This dosage also decreased pERK1/2 levels and inhibited proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in MCT-treated rats. In conclusion, fluoxetine can protect against MCT-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling, which linked to reduced ROS generation and decreased HIF-1α and VEGF protein levels via the ERK1/2 phosphorylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Han
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Heping District, Shenyang, China
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12
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Pleym H, Greiff G, Mjorndal T, Stenseth R, Wahba A, Spigset O. Effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors on pulmonary hemodynamics in humans. J Clin Med Res 2012; 3:230-8. [PMID: 22383910 PMCID: PMC3279484 DOI: 10.4021/jocmr654w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serotonin promotes pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation, thereby having the potential to increase pulmonary arterial blood pressure. Although serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) might inhibit further deterioration in patients with manifest pulmonary arterial hypertension, they may induce pulmonary hypertension in healthy newborns after fetal exposure. As it is unclear whether treatment with SRIs affects pulmonary hemodynamics in adults without pulmonary hypertension, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SRIs on pulmonary hemodynamics in such subjects. Methods Sixteen patients with stable angina pectoris scheduled for first time coronary artery bypass grafting were included in the study. Of these 8 were currently treated with an SRI (the SRI group) and 8 were not (the control group). Pulmonary arterial pressures were measured before induction of anesthesia by means of a pulmonary artery catheter. Serotonin transporter and 5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphisms and platelet 5-HT2A receptor expression were studied to elucidate their possible role as modifying factors. Results No patients in any of the groups had pulmonary arterial hypertension. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was 15.0 mmHg in the SRI group and 14.5 mmHg in the control group (P = 0.50; 95% confidence interval for the difference, -2.9 to +3.9 mmHg). Neither were there any significant differences between the groups for any of the other hemodynamic variables studied. The various gene polymorphisms and the extent of platelet 5-HT2A receptor expression did not influence the hemodynamic variables. Conclusions SRI treatment did not significantly influence pulmonary hemodynamics in patients without pulmonary hypertension. Keywords Serotonin; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; Pulmonary hemodynamics; Pulmonary hypertension
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Pleym
- Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Wang Y, Han DD, Wang HM, Liu M, Zhang XH, Wang HL. Downregulation of osteopontin is associated with fluoxetine amelioration of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary inflammation and vascular remodelling. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2011; 38:365-72. [PMID: 21418086 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
1. Osteopontin (OPN) has emerged as a key factor in inflammatory activation and cardiovascular remodelling. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of OPN in fluoxetine amelioration of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary inflammation and vascular remodelling in rats. 2. Wistar rats were divided into control, MCT and two fluoxetine-treated groups. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was induced by a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg) was administered via the intragastric route once a day for 21 days. On Day 22, pulmonary haemodynamic measurements were undertaken, followed by ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. 3. Monocrotaline caused pulmonary inflammation and vascular remodelling and significantly enhanced OPN expression in the plasma, lungs and pulmonary arteries. Fluoxetine decreased pulmonary arterial pressure and ameliorated pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodelling. At 10 mg/kg, fluoxetine significantly inhibited MCT-induced increases in the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and downregulated the expression of OPN, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β and matrix metalloproteinase 2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2. Although 2 mg/kg fluoxetine tended to ameliorate some MCT-induced changes in the lung, the differences did not always reach statistical significance. Linear regression analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between plasma OPN concentrations and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, as well as percentage medial wall thickness and percentage wall area in the pulmonary artery. 4. In conclusion, the amelioration by fluoxetine of MCT-induced pulmonary inflammation and vascular remodelling is associated with downregulation of OPN expression in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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14
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Delaney C, Gien J, Grover TR, Roe G, Abman SH. Pulmonary vascular effects of serotonin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the late-gestation ovine fetus. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 301:L937-44. [PMID: 21908589 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00198.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal use of selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), but little is known about 5-HT signaling in the developing lung. We hypothesize that 5-HT plays a key role in maintaining high pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in the fetus and that fetal exposure to SSRIs increases 5-HT activity and causes pulmonary hypertension. We studied the hemodynamic effects of 5-HT, 5-HT receptor antagonists, and SSRIs in chronically prepared fetal sheep. Brief infusions of 5-HT (3-20 μg) increased PVR in a dose-related fashion. Ketanserin, a 5-HT 2A receptor antagonist, caused pulmonary vasodilation and inhibited 5-HT-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. In contrast, intrapulmonary infusions of GR127945 and SB206553, 5-HT 1B and 5-HT 2B receptor antagonists, respectively, had no effect on basal PVR or 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction. Pretreatment with fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, blunted the effects of 5-HT infusion. Brief infusions of the SSRIs, sertraline and fluoxetine, caused potent and sustained elevations of PVR, which was sustained for over 60 min after the infusion. SSRI-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction was reversed by infusion of ketanserin and did not affect the acute vasodilator effects of acetylcholine. We conclude that 5-HT causes pulmonary vasoconstriction, contributes to maintenance of high PVR in the normal fetus through stimulation of 5-HT 2A receptors and Rho kinase activation, and mediates the hypertensive effects of SSRIs. We speculate that prolonged exposure to SSRIs can induce PPHN through direct effects on the fetal pulmonary circulation.
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Ilgin S, Burukoglu D, Atli O, Sirmagul B. Effects of Everolimus in Combination with Sildenafil in Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2011; 12:46-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-011-9137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wang Y, Zhang XH, Wang HL. Involvement of BMPR2 in the protective effect of fluoxetine against monocrotaline-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 89:345-54. [PMID: 21619414 DOI: 10.1139/y11-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor II (BMPR2) are associated with the apoptosis of the pulmonary artery endothelial cells and the loss of the pulmonary small vessels. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of BMPR2 in the protective effect of fluoxetine against monocrotaline (MCT)-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats. Models of pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered once a day. After 21 days, MCT caused pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling and significantly reduced the BMPR2 expression in lungs and pulmonary arteries. Fluoxetine dose-dependently inhibited MCT-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and effectively protected the lungs against MCT-induced endothelial apoptosis, reduction in the number of alveolar sacs, and loss of the pulmonary small vessels. Fluoxetine reversed the expression of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent kinase І, BMPR2, phospho-Smad1, β-catenin, and reduced the expression of caspase 3 in rat lungs. These findings suggest that BMPR2 is probably involved in the protective effect of fluoxetine against MCT-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Heping District, Shenyang, PR China
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Li XQ, Wang HM, Yang CG, Zhang XH, Han DD, Wang HL. Fluoxetine inhibited extracellular matrix of pulmonary artery and inflammation of lungs in monocrotaline-treated rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2011; 32:217-22. [PMID: 21217769 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2010.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the pulmonary artery and inflammation of the lungs in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) induced by monocrotaline in rats. METHODS MCT-induced chronic PAH was established in Wistar rats. After treatment with fluoxetine for 3 weeks, pulmonary hemodynamic measurement and morphological investigation of lung tissues were undertaken. The main components of the ECM, elastin and collagen, were detected using Van Gieson stain and Orcein stain, respectively, or using Victoria-ponceau's double stain. The ECM proteolytic enzymes matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2, were detected by Western blot. Inflammation of lung tissue was assayed using lung morphology and inflammatory cytokine expression. RESULTS Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited MCT-induced PAH, attenuated pulmonary arterial muscularization and ECM remodeling, and decreased MMP/TIMP expression. Fluoxetine also suppressed inflammatory responses in lung tissue and inhibited the expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). CONCLUSION Fluoxetine inhibited MCT-induced ECM remodeling of the pulmonary artery and inflammation of lung tissue. These effects were related to its inhibition on MMPs/TIMPs and cytokine productions.
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Porvasnik SL, Germain S, Embury J, Gannon KS, Jacques V, Murray J, Byrne BJ, Shacham S, Al-Mousily F. PRX-08066, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B antagonist, reduces monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 334:364-72. [PMID: 20430844 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.165001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease that results in right ventricular failure. 5-((4-(6-Chlorothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ylamino)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-2-fluorobenzonitrile monofumarate (PRX-08066) is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B (5-HT2BR) antagonist that causes selective vasodilation of pulmonary arteries. In the current study, the effects of PRX-08066 were assessed by using the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model. Male rats received 40 mg/kg MCT or phosphate-buffered saline and were treated orally twice a day with vehicle or 50 or 100 mg/kg PRX-08066 for 5 weeks. Pulmonary and cardiac functions were evaluated by hemodynamics, heart weight, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pulmonary artery (PA) morphology, and histology. Cardiac MRI demonstrated that PRX-08066 (100 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) improved right ventricular ejection fraction. PRX-08066 significantly reduced peak PA pressure at 50 and 100 mg/kg (P < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively) compared with MCT control animals. PRX-08066 therapy also significantly reduced right ventricle (RV)/body weight and RV/left ventricle + septum (P < 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively) compared with MCT-treated animals. Morphometric assessment of pulmonary arterioles revealed a significant reduction in medial wall thickening and lumen occlusion associated with both doses of PRX-08066 (P < 0.01). The 5-HT2BR antagonist PRX-08066 significantly attenuated the elevation in PA pressure and RV hypertrophy and maintained cardiac function. Pulmonary vascular remodeling was also diminished compared with MCT control rats. PRX-08066 prevents the severity of PAH in the MCT rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy L Porvasnik
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0266, USA
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Novel approaches to treat experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension: a review. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:702836. [PMID: 20339474 PMCID: PMC2843902 DOI: 10.1155/2010/702836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Revised: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by an increase in pulmonary artery pressure leading to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, RV failure, and ultimately death. Current treatments can improve symptoms and reduce severity of the hemodynamic disorder but gradual deterioration in their condition often necessitates a lung transplant. Methods and Results. In experimental models of PAH, particularly the model of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension, efficacious treatment options tested so far include a spectrum of pharmacologic agents with actions such as anti-mitogenic, proendothelial function, proangiogenic, antiinflammatory and antioxidative. Emerging trends in PAH treatment are gene and cell therapy and their combination, like (progenitor) cells enriched with eNOS or VEGF gene. More animal data should be collected to investigate optimal cell type, in vitro cell transduction, route of administration, and number of cells to inject. Several recently discovered and experimentally tested interventions bear potential for therapeutic purposes in humans or have been shown already to be effective in PAH patients leading to improved life expectation and better quality of life. Conclusion. Since many patients remain symptomatic despite therapy, we should encourage research in animal models of PAH and implement promising treatments in homogeneous groups of PAH patients.
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Shah SJ, Gomberg-Maitland M, Thenappan T, Rich S. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the incidence and outcome of pulmonary hypertension. Chest 2009; 136:694-700. [PMID: 19349384 DOI: 10.1378/chest.08-2823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prevent the development of and reverse pulmonary hypertension (PH) in animal models. We sought to determine whether SSRIs are associated with a decreased incidence of PH in at-risk patients and whether SSRIs are associated with decreased mortality in patients with established PH. METHODS In a case-control study of patients enrolled in the Surveillance of Pulmonary Hypertension in America (SOPHIA) registry, we tested whether patients without PH (no-PH group; n = 155) were more likely to be receiving SSRIs when compared to those with confirmed PH (n = 1,180). In a separate cohort study of adults with documented PH in the referral-based Pulmonary Hypertension Connection (PHC) registry (n = 542), we classified patients into categories by SSRI use, and we examined whether SSRI use was associated with decreased mortality. RESULTS In SOPHIA, the confirmed PH group was less likely to be receiving SSRIs compared with the no-PH group (univariate odds ratio [OR], 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39 to 0.82]; p = 0.003; multivariate OR, 0.71l [95% CI, 0.48 to 1.06]; p = 0.09). In the PHC, 69 of 542 patients (13%) were receiving SSRIs at the time of referral. During a mean (+/- SD) follow-up period of 4.0 +/- 3.1 years, 12% of patients receiving SSRIs vs 23% of patients not receiving SSRIs died (hazard ratio [HR], 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.87; p = 0.023). The association between SSRI use and decreased mortality persisted after adjusting for age, gender, etiology of PH, and obesity (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.88; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS SSRIs appear to be associated with a decreased development of PH and a decreased mortality in PH. These findings provide a rationale for clinical trials of SSRIs in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv J Shah
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Thenappan Thenappan
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Stuart Rich
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
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Zhai FG, Zhang XH, Wang HL. Fluoxetine protects against monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension: potential roles of induction of apoptosis and upregulation of Kv1.5 channels in rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2009; 36:850-6. [PMID: 19298536 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2009.05168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
1. Suppressing apoptosis and downregulating K(+) channels in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) have been implicated in the development of pulmonary vascular medial hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous studies have shown that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) protected against PAH. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of Kv1.5 channels and apoptosis in the protective effect of the SSRI fluoxetine against PAH. 2. Monocrotaline (MCT) was used to establish PAH in Wistar rats. Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg per day) was administered by gavage once a day for 3 weeks. Three weeks after the induction of PAH by MCT, pulmonary haemodynamic measurements and pulmonary artery morphological assessments were undertaken, along with detection of apoptosis and Kv1.5. 3. Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg per day) decreased pulmonary artery pressure, reduced the right ventricular index and inhibited the increase in medial wall thickness of pulmonary arteries in established PAH. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg per day) reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein, increased the expression of cleaved caspase 3 protein and enhanced the expression of Kv1.5 protein and mRNA in pulmonary arteries. Furthermore, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg per day) significantly suppressed proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of PASMC in MCT-induced PAH. 4. In conclusion, fluoxetine protects against MCT-induced PAH by suppressing PASMC proliferation, inducing PASMC apoptosis and upregulating Kv1.5 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Guo Zhai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ju C, Hamaue N, Machida T, Liu Y, Iizuka K, Wang Y, Minami M, Hirafuji M. Anti-inflammatory drugs ameliorate opposite enzymatic changes in ileal 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism in the delayed phase after cisplatin administration to rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 589:281-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2007] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Fornaro E, Li D, Pan J, Belik J. Prenatal Exposure to Fluoxetine Induces Fetal Pulmonary Hypertension in the Rat. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 176:1035-40. [PMID: 17702969 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200701-163oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant widely used by pregnant women. Epidemiological data suggest that fluoxetine exposure prenatally increases the prevalence of persistent pulmonary hypertension syndrome of the newborn. The mechanism responsible for this effect is unclear and paradoxical, considering the current evidence of a pulmonary hypertension protective fluoxetine effect in adult rodents. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the fluoxetine effect on fetal rat pulmonary vascular smooth muscle mechanical properties and cell proliferation rate. METHODS Pregnant rats were treated with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) from Day 11 through Day 21 of gestation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Fetuses were delivered by cesarean section. As compared with controls, fluoxetine exposure resulted in fetal pulmonary hypertension as evidenced by an increase in the weight ratio of the right ventricle to the left ventricle plus septum (P = 0.02) and by an increase in pulmonary arterial medial thickness (P < 0.01). Postnatal mortality was increased among experimental animals, and arterial oxygen saturation was 96 +/- 1% in 1-day-old control animals and significantly lower (P < 0.01) in fluoxetine-exposed pups (79 +/- 2%). In vitro, fluoxetine induced pulmonary arterial muscle contraction in fetal, but not adult, animals (P < 0.01) and reduced serotonin-induced contraction at both ages (P < 0.01). After in utero exposure to a low fluoxetine concentration the pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation rate was significantly increased in fetal, but not adult, cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the adult, fluoxetine exposure in utero induces pulmonary hypertension in the fetal rat as a result of a developmentally regulated increase in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fornaro
- Lung Biology Research Group, Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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