ObjectiveTo observe the effects of perindopril on expression level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and lung function in rats with obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),and investigate the therapeutic effects of perindopril on COPD. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group,a COPD group,and a perindopril group,with 20 rats in each group. The rat model of COPD was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysachride and exprosure to cigarette smoke in the COPD group and the perindopril group. The rats in the perindopril group were intragastricly infused with perindopril additionally. All rats were sacrificed after 28 days. The lung function was observed and PI3K protein expression was detected using Western blot method. The pathologic changes of the lung tissue and airway were observed by HE staining. ResultsHE staining revealed that the rat COPD model was successfully established. The COPD group appeared obvious emphysema which was allievated significantly in the perindopril group. Pulmonary function indices in the COPD group and the perindopril group were significantly decreased compared with the control group with VE value decreased by 40% and 22%,PEP value decreased by 33% and 15%,and FEV0.3 value decreased by 18% and 7%,respectively. The expression of PI3K was significantly increased in the COPD group and the perindopril group than the control group,but more significantly in the COPD group (P<0.05). ConclusionPerindopril can significantly improve lung function in rats with COPD possibly through down-regulation of PI3K expression in the lung.