Abstract | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: METHODS: Rats were allocated to 1 of 3 groups (n=10 for each): chronic hypoxia group, amlodipine treatment group (30 mg/kg/day, administered via gavage); and control group. Rats in the amlodipine treatment group and the chronic hypoxia group were exposed to normobaric chronic hypoxia (9.5%-10.5% oxygen). We investigated the changes of right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle (LV) and interventricular septum (S) weight ratio [RV/(LV+S)], RV to body weight (BW) ratio (RV/BW), calcineurin A beta (CnAbeta) mRNA levels, cardiac myosin heavy chain beta (beta-MHC) mRNA levels and protein expression of CnAbeta, nuclear factor 3 of activated T cell (NFAT3), and beta-MHC. RESULTS: After 21 days, RV/(LV+S) and RV/BW were significantly higher in the chronic hypoxia group than in the control group and the amlodipine group (p<0.01). The expression of CnAbeta mRNA and protein, NFAT3 protein, beta-MHC mRNA and protein in RV of the chronic hypoxia group was higher than that of the control group and the amlodipine treatment group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The calcineurin signal pathway plays a critical role in the progression of RVH induced by chronic hypoxia. L-type calcium channel blockade suppresses the development of RVH by inhibiting this pathway.
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Authors | Chen-Zhou Liu, Jian-Xin Tan, You Wang, Yu-Ge Huang, Di-Lan Huang |
Journal | Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
(J Formos Med Assoc)
Vol. 104
Issue 11
Pg. 798-803
(Nov 2005)
ISSN: 0929-6646 [Print] Singapore |
PMID | 16496058
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Calcineurin Inhibitors
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Calcium Channels, L-Type
- MYH7 protein, rat
- NFATC Transcription Factors
- Calcineurin
- Myosin Heavy Chains
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Topics |
- Animals
- Calcineurin
(genetics, physiology)
- Calcineurin Inhibitors
- Calcium Channel Blockers
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Calcium Channels, L-Type
(physiology)
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Male
- Myosin Heavy Chains
(genetics)
- NFATC Transcription Factors
(analysis, physiology)
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Signal Transduction
(drug effects)
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