Effect of hydrogen inhalation on cardiovascular and interstitial components of pulmonary hypertension in rats

Hydrogen is known to have selective antioxidant properties. It binds highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. The pathogenesis of the monocrotaline animal model of pulmonary hypertension is associated with oxidative stress and leads to all the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with hypertension.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of 4% hydrogen inhalations on the symptoms of PH and ILD in rats.

Methods. To model monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension (MCT-PH), two groups of animals received a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT) on day 1. The control group was injected subcutaneously with MCT solvent only. The animals receiving MCT were further divided into 2 subgroups. Subgroup 1 rats breathed room air and subgroup 2 rats breathed a mixture of room air and 4% hydrogen. The regular inhalations continued until day 21. On day 21, hemodynamic parameters were measured under urethane anesthesia, the heart and its components and the lungs were weighed, and lung tissue was preserved for morphological study.

Results. The inhalation had no effect on the main cardiovascular symptoms of PH, but a positive effect on the state of the connective tissue of the lungs affected by PH was shown. The mast cell response was reduced both quantitatively and functionally. There was a decrease in tryptase expression by mast cells, with predominance of the forms without signs of degranulation. TGF-β secretion was also significantly reduced and visualized by immunopositive cells in alveolar cellular structures and vessel walls.

Conclusion. Inhalation of 4% hydrogen reduces inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissue during the development of MCT-PH. 

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