Hydrogen Inhalation Reduces Lung Inflammation and Blood Pressure in the Experimental Model of Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats

Abstract

Hydrogen has been shown to exhibit selective antioxidant properties against hydroxyl radicals, and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The monocrotaline-induced model of pulmonary hypertension is suitable for studying substances with antioxidant activity because oxidative stress is induced by monocrotaline. On day 1, male Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected with a water–alcohol solution of monocrotaline or a control with an only water–alcohol solution. One group of monocrotaline-injected animals was placed in a plastic box that was constantly ventilated with atmospheric air containing 4% of molecular hydrogen, and the two groups of rats, injected with monocrotaline or vehicle, were placed in boxes ventilated with atmospheric air. After 21 days, hemodynamic parameters were measured under urethane narcosis. The results showed that, although hydrogen inhalation had no effect on the main markers of pulmonary hypertension induced by monocrotaline injection, there was a reduction in systemic blood pressure due to its systolic component, and a decrease in TGF-β expression, as well as a reduction in tryptase-containing mast cells.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats

Duration

21 days

Dose comparison

Only one concentration (4% H2) was used for inhalation; no dose/concentration comparison was performed.

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Hydrogen inhalation (4% H2) in a monocrotaline-induced rat model of pulmonary hypertension did not affect the main markers of pulmonary hypertension (RVSP, RV hypertrophy), but significantly reduced systemic (mean and systolic) blood pressure, decreased TGF-β expression, and reduced the number of tryptase-containing mast cells, indicating anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in lung tissue.