Abstract: AIM: To explore the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hypoxia pulmonary hypertension and effects of SHENYI Capsule. METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (N), hypoxia hypercapnia group (F), and hypoxia hypercapnia +SHENYI Capsule group (S).The levels of VEGF in serum and lung tissue are measured by ELISA, the ultrastructure of pulmonary arterioles was observed by electron microscopy, and the expression of VEGFmRNA was observed by in situ hybirdization. RESULTS: Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), weight ratio of RV to LV +S, the levels of VEGF in serum, and lung tissue of group F were significantly higher than those of group N and group S (P <0.01 or <0.05).Electron microscopy showed proliferation of smooth muscle cells and collagenous fibers of pulmonary arterioles in rats of group F, and SHENYI Capsule could reverse the changes mentioned above.VEGF mRNA in pulmonary arterioles was significantly higher in rats of group F than that of group N(P < 0.01), and it was significantly decreased in rats of group S than that of group F. CONCLUSION: VEGF plays an important role in the process of hypoxia pulmonary hypertension, and SHENYI Capsule can prevent hypoxia pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting the role of VEGF.

Key words: hypoxia, hypercapnia, pulmonary hypertension, vascular endothelial growth factor, SHENYI Capsule