5,538 research outputs found
The Effect of ACE Inhibition on the Pulmonary Vasculature in Combined Models of Chronic Hypoxia and Pulmonary Arterial Banding in Sprague Dawley Rats
Microfocal CT was used to image the pulmonary arterial (PA) tree in rodent models of pulmonary hypertension (PH). CT images were used to measure the arterial tree diameter along the main arterial trunk at several hydrostatic intravascular pressures and calculate distensibility. High-resolution planar angiographic imaging was also used to examine distal PA microstructure. Data on pulmonary artery tree morphology improves our understanding of vascular remodeling and response to treatments. Angiotensin II (ATII) has been identified as a mediator of vasoconstriction and proliferative mitotic function. ATII has been shown to promote vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia as well as stimulate synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. Available ATII is targeted through angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), a method that has been used in animal models of PH to attenuate vascular remodeling and decrease pulmonary vascular resistance. In this study, we used rat models of chronic hypoxia to induce PH combined with partial left pulmonary artery occlusion (arterial banding, PLPAO) to evaluate effects of the ACEI, captopril, on pulmonary vascular hemodynamic and morphology. Male Sprague Dawley rats were placed in hypoxia (FiO2 0.1), with one group having underwent PLPAO three days prior to the chronic hypoxia. After the twenty-first day of hypoxia exposure, treatment was started with captopril (20 mg/kg/day) for an additional twenty-one days. At the endpoint, lungs were excised and isolated to examine: pulmonary vascular resistance, ACE activity, pulmonary vessel morphology and biomechanics. Hematocrit and RV/LV+septum ratio was also measured. CT planar images showed less vessel dropout in rats treated with captopril versus the non-treatment lungs. Distensibility data shows no change in rats treated with captopril in both chronic hypoxia (CH) and CH with PLPAO (CH+PLPAO) models. Hemodynamic measurements also show no change in the pulmonary vascular resistance with captopril treatment in both CH and CH+PLPAO
LIBERAL AGRICULTURAL TRADE AS A PUBLIC GOOD: FREE TRADE VERSUS FREE RIDING UNDER GATT
International Relations/Trade,
State of the College of Health Sciences Address, 2012: Sailing Into the Future
PDF of powerpoint presentation for the State of the College of Health Sciences Address on August 20, 2012
Instructional Leadership, Teaching Quality, and Student Achievement: Suggestive Evidence from Three Urban School Districts
Does providing instruction-related professional development to school principals set in motion a chain of events that can improve teaching and learning in their schools? This report examines professional development efforts by the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Learning in elementary schools in Austin, St. Paul, and New York City
State of the College of Health Sciences, 2013: Voyaging to the Waypoint
PDF of powerpoint presentation for the State of the College of Health Sciences Address on September 4, 2013. Includes New Faculty & Staff Introductions and Welcome
State of the College of Health Sciences Address, 2015: Sailing Uncharted Waters
PDF of powerpoint presentation for the State of the College of Health Sciences Address on August 20, 2015
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