Abstract
Over the past few decades, the cardiovascular benefits of a high dietary intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been extensively studied. However, many of the molecular mechanisms and effects exerted by PUFAs have yet to be well explained. The lack of sex hormones alters vascular tone, and we have described that a DHA-supplemented diet to orchidectomized rats improve vascular function of the aorta. Based on these data and since the mesenteric artery importantly controls the systemic vascular resistance, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of a DHA-supplemented diet on the mesenteric vascular function from orchidectomized rats. For this purpose mesenteric artery segments obtained from control, orchidectomized or orchidectomized plus DHA-supplemented diet were utilized to analyze: (1) the release of prostanoids, (2) formation of NO and ROS, (3) the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh), as well as the involvement of prostanoids and NO in this response, and (4) the vasoconstrictor response to electrical field stimulation (EFS), analyzing also the effect of exogenous noradrenaline (NA), and the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The results demonstrate beneficial effects of DHA on the vascular function in orchidectomized rats, which include a decrease in the prostanoids release and superoxide formation that were previously augmented by orchidectomy. Additionally, there was an increase in endothelial NO formation and the response to ACh, in which NO involvement and the participation of vasodilator prostanoids were increased. DHA also reversed the decrease in EFS-induced response caused by orchidectomy. All of these findings suggest beneficial effects of DHA on vascular function by reversing the neurogenic response and the endothelial dysfunction caused by orchidectomy.
Highlights
The involvement of endothelial, hormonal and neural factors in the regulation of vascular function is well established [1, 2], the contribution of these factors depends on the type of the vessel
Taking into account that the mesenteric vascular bed importantly contributes to the control of blood pressure, in the present study we have focused on analyzing the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-diet in the vascular function of rat mesenteric artery from orchidectomized rats
We previously published that the orchidectomy maintained for 5 months induces an increase on prostanoid release in mesenteric artery [30, 31] and aorta [17, 25], due to an oxidative stress augmentation
Summary
The involvement of endothelial, hormonal and neural factors in the regulation of vascular function is well established [1, 2], the contribution of these factors depends on the type of the vessel. NO is a signaling molecule formed by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis regulating the vascular tone, and influences blood pressure. This molecule exerts vasodilation in smooth muscle cells by stimulating the protein kinase G (PKG) trough soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in the smooth muscle of the arterial wall [3]. A decrease in NO synthesis and/or bioavailability leads to the development of vascular dysfunction [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
