Correlation between endothelia cells activation and imbalance of cytokines in pulmonary hypertension of congenital heart disease

Objective: To explore the correlation between endothelia cells activation and cytokines (ET-1, NO) levels in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and to discuss their roles in the development of PH. Methods: Twenty patients with simple ventricular septal defect (VSD) were chosen as controls, and 30 patients with PH were studied. Plasma levels of ET-1 and NO were measured by radioimmunoassay or colorimetric method. Before cardiopulmonary bypass was established, the specimens from right lung were fixed with formaldehyde solution, embedded with paraffin and stained by SP immunohistochemistry. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression was measured through the determination of the light density with computer imaging technology. Results: Compared with that of the patients with simple VSD, the light density of ICAM-1 and plasma level of ET-1 increased in patients with PH; but plasma level of NO decreased (P<0.05). Positive correlation was observed between ICAM-1 and ET-1/NO (P<0.05). Conclusion: Endothelia cells activation and imbalance of ET-1/NO might play an important role in the development of PH.