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Introduction: Rho-kinases (ROCK) serve as a point of convergence of various signalling cascades in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and plays a role in vasoconstriction induced by endothelin. We assessed the effect of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH in rats, an experimental model utilized to mimic clinical features of PAH.

Methods and results: Male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: sham (CTRL, n=6); MCT (n=15); MCT+ Y-27632 (n=15). Two weeks after a single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/Kg), rats received a once daily treatment with Y-27632 (p.o., 100 mg/Kg). After 28 days from the MCT induction, rats were subjected to haemodynamic measurements. Right ventricle (RV) pressure was increased in MCT rats (61±7 vs 23±1 mm Hg). Y-27632 treatment attenuated this change (MCT+Y-27632: 33±2 mm Hg …