Abstract 12786: Renal Denervation Reduces Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Experimental Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction and Hypothesis: We have previously shown that neurohormonalover-activation (i.e. sympathetic nervous systemand renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system) accelerates disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Renal denervationis a new clinical modality, which may have therapeutic potential in PAH, as it suppresses both neurohormonalsystems. Here, we tested the hypothesis that renal denervationameliorates pulmonary vascular remodeling in experimental PAH. Methods: PAH was induced in male Wistar rats by a single injection of monocrotaline (60mg/kg; s.c.). Twelve days later, development of PAH was confirmed by echocardiography. PAH-rats were then randomized for renal denervationor sham operation (n=9 /group). At end-of-study (body mass loss >5%), echocardiography was repeated, with additional right ventricular (RV) pressure-volume measurements and histological analysis was performed on lung tissue. Results: Renal denervationwas successful, indicated by a reduction of the nora...