Prostacyclin is a short-lived metabolite of arachidonic acid that is produced by several cells in the lung and prominently by endothelial cells. It increases intracellular cAMP levels activating downstream signaling thus regulating vascular mesenchymal cell functions. The alveolar wall contains a rich capillary network as well as a population of mesenchymal cells, i.e., fibroblasts. The current...

OBJECTIVES This study sought to investigate the effect of beraprost sodium (BPS), an orally active prostacyclin analogue, on the survival of outpatients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). BACKGROUND Continuous intravenous administration of epoprostenol (prostacyclin) has been shown to improve survival in PPH. However, the effect of oral BPS on survival in PPH remains unknown. METHOD...

Nanoparticles have been used as a novel drug delivery system. Drug-incorporated nanoparticles for local delivery might optimize the efficacy and minimize the side effects of drugs. The efficacy and safety of intratracheal administration of prostacyclin analog (beraprost) -incorporated nanoparticles and imatinib (a PDGF-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor) -incorporated nanoparticles in Sugen-hyp...