Table 2.
Effect of tracheal instillation of bleomycin or saline on body and organ weights
| Percent Change in Body Weight | Lung Weight/Body Weight, mg/g | RV Weight/Body Weight, mg/g | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline (23) | 6.4 ± 0.9 | 5.7 ± 0.2 | 1.11 ± 0.03 |
| Bleomycin nonconverter (8) | −9.4 ± 3.4**** | 12.1 ± 1.1**** | 1.22 ± 0.04 |
| Bleomycin converter (12) | −15.0 ± 3.2**** | 13.2 ± 1.4**** | 1.37 ± 0.04****§ |
Values are means ± SE. A single instillation of bleomycin (0.075 U) or saline was given. After at least 2 wk, the effect of bleomycin was assessed on lung weight and on the RV free wall weight. Bleomycin resulted in a decrease in body weight, an increase in lung weight, and increased RV weight. The bleomycin group is divided into 2 subgroups, depending on whether the α1A-subtype inotropic response was switched to a positive inotropic response (converter) or remained a negative inotropic response (nonconverter) (number/group indicated in parentheses).
****
Significantly different than vehicle (P < 0.0001);
§
Significantly different that nonconverter (P < 0.05).