Abstract
Bj‐PRO‐10c (10c) is a proline‐rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca CNP brain precursor and crude venom. 10c evokes antihypertensive and bradycardic effects in SHR. In addition, 10c crosses the blood brain barrier and increases plasma levels of the nitric oxide precursor, L‐arginine. We evaluated whether centrally injected 10c changes blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and the expression of neuronal c‐Fos. 10c (7.1nmol/Kg) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) were icv injected in anesthetized male SHR and Wistar rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR were recorded for 90min following injection. Brain sections were taken to evaluate c‐Fos and NOS, by double‐labeling immunohistochemistry. Although 10c reduced MAP and HR in both Wistar (ΔMAP: −2±1 saline vs. −6±1mmHg 10c, ΔHR −13±5 vs. −34±5bpm; p<0.01) and SHR (ΔMAP −7±2 saline vs. −16±3mmHg 10c, ΔHR −13±5 vs. −42±7bpm; p<0.01), the changes in MAP were greater (p<0.01) in SHR. At 90min following 10c injection, c‐Fos expression was increased in comparison to saline injections in the nucleus Ambiguus and CVL, areas, which contained neurons double‐labeled for c‐Fos + NOS. We conclude that the central administration of 10c prominently drives a bradycardia, possibly through NO‐related mechanisms.Support: Fapesp
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