Improvement of exercise capacity in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension by the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor Vardenafil

► The effects of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor Vardenafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension are unknown. ► We show for the first time that Vardenafil attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension in rats. ► Vardenafil improves pulmonary vascular remodeling, hemodynamics, right ventricular hypertrophy and exercise capacity. ► Whether Vardenafil is a treatment option for patients with pulmonary hypertension needs to be elucidated.