Relation of bosentan, iloprost, and sildenafil with growth factor levels in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension.

It is believed that growth factors play an important role in vascular remodeling that is evident in pulmonary hypertension (PH) pathogenesis. In the present study, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in serum and pulmonary artery samples of rats have been analyzed with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH after treatments with iloprost, bosentan, and sildenafil. Serum VEGF and pulmonary artery VEGF levels were found to be significantly lower in MCT groups compared with control groups and significantly higher in treatment groups compared with MCT groups. In conclusion, treatment strategies directed at increasing VEGF levels may be reasonable in PH management.