Sex-dependent remodeling of right ventricular function in a rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Ethan D. Kwan, Becky A. Hardie, Kristen Garcia, Hao Mu, Tsui‐Min Wang, Daniela Valdez‐Jasso
Abstract
Combining hemodynamic and morphological measurements from male, female, and ovariectomized female pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rats revealed distinct adaptation mechanisms despite similar pressure overload. Males showed the most diastolic stiffening. Ovariectomized females had enhanced myocyte contractility and calcium transient upregulation. Ovary-intact females primarily responded with hypertrophy, experiencing milder passive myocardial stiffening and no changes in myocyte shortening. These findings suggest potential sex-specific pathways in right ventricular (RV) adaptation to PAH, with implications for targeted interventions.
Topics & Concepts
Internal medicineContractilityOvariectomized ratMuscle hypertrophyVentricular remodelingPressure overloadEndocrinologyCardiologyDiastoleMedicineHemodynamicsOvaryBlood pressureHeart failureEstrogenCardiac hypertrophyPulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments