Lung Tissue RNA Sequencing Shows Dysregulation of the Bronchial Epithelium in a Rat Model of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Abstract

We studied changes in gene expression in rats with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) induced by partially biodegradable alginate microspheres. Lung tissue samples were collected 2 and 6 weeks after the last administration of microspheres. Transcriptomic analysis revealed alterations in processes related to the extracellular matrix, cell-cell interactions, and ciliary activity. Histological findings showed thickening of the bronchial walls and increased epithelial thickness; in addition, a higher density of epithelial cells per 50 μm of bronchi was noted at both time points in the CTEPH model. These findings contribute to better understanding of the pathogenesis of lung damage in patients with CTEPH.