Ghrelin protects human pulmonary artery endothelial cells against hypoxia-induced injury via PI3-kinase/Akt

► The Ghr acted to promote NO release and had an inhibitory effect on hypoxia-induced HPAECs apoptosis. ► Ghr-mediated protective effect was accompanied by the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. ► The PI3 K/Akt pathway plays a key role in hypoxia-induced dysfunction in HPAECs. ► The Ghr demonstrates a significant potential to prevent and treat PAH.