Effects Of κ-opioid Peptide On Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension And Its Underlying Mechanism

BackgroundMany respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and long-term living in plateau environment lead to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) which is an important pathophysiological stage in the genesis and development of many cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary diseases. However, the pathogenesis of HPH has not been elucidated thoroughly, and there is still no ideal therapeutic strategy for HPH.Opioid receptors have been identified to localize in the cardiovascular system. Radioimmunology competitive binding assay and functional studies show that K-opioid receptor is the predominant isotype of opioid receptors existing not only in the heart but also in the peripheral vessels. Endogenous opioid peptide can be synthesized and released by the heart, and it directly...