[Comparative effects of calcium channel blockers and L-arginine on chronic intermittent hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats]

Abstract

Experiments were carried on rats to study the preventive effects of calcium channel blockers Nitrendipine, Nifedipine and L-Arginine (L- Arginine is the physiological precursor of nitric oxide in endothelium-dependent relaxation) on chronic intermittent hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension, on the right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular pathologic changes. The results showed (1) Nitrendipine, Nifedipine and L-arginine played significant role in preventing chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and the right ventricular hypertrophy. (2) There was no significant difference between Nitrendipine, Nifedipine and L- arginine in preventing hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (P > 0.05). (3) Nitrendipine was better than Nifedipine in reducing the hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.