Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of nifedipine(Nif) on experimental pulmonary hypertension(PH).Methods33 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model group and Nif treatment group(n=11 for each group). Rats were given a single dose of subcutaneous monocrotaline(MCT,50 mg/kg) to induce the model of pulmonary hypertension, then treated with gastric infusion of normal saline or Nif respectively for 21 days. The parameters of pulmonary hemodynamics were monitored by Gould3400 polygraph system through the cannulation of polyvinyl tube. Right ventricle and left ventricle added with interventricular septum weight ratio, and the lung wet weight were measured.ResultsNif significantly inhibited the progression of pulmonary artery pressure(P<0.01), decreased the right heart index(P<0.01), but did not significantly reduce the lung wet weight(P>0.05).ConclusionChronic treatment with Nif may effectively reduce the development of PH induced by MCT and improve the heart function.

Key words: nifedipine, monocrotaline, pulmonary hypertension, rat