Renal Denervation Reduces Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling and Right Ventricular Diastolic Stiffness in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Summary: Neurohormonal overactivation plays an important role in pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this context, renal denervation, which aims to inhibit the neurohormonal systems, may be a promising adjunct therapy in PH. In this proof-of-concept study, we have demonstrated in 2 experimental models of PH that renal denervation delayed disease progression, reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling, lowered right ventricular afterload, and decreased right ventricular diastolic stiffness, most likely by suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Key Words: pulmonary hypertension, renin angiotensin system, right ventricular failure, sympathetic nervous system