Effect of stellate ganglion block on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2/Bax protein in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between apoptosis of myocardial cells in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax protein, and the protective effect of stellate ganglion block on apoptosis of myocardial cells. A total of 32 ten-week-old male SHRs were assigned randomly into 4 groups: a left stellate ganglion block group (group LS), a right stellate ganglion block group (group RS), a captopril group (group D) and a control group (group C). The arterial systolic blood pressure was measured by ALC-NIBP system. After 10 weeks, all rats were anaesthetized by 3% pentobarbital sodium, cardiomyocyte apoptosis index of left ventricle was assessed by TUNEL, and the localization of myocardium Bcl-2, Bax was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with group LS and C, the apoptotic index decreased (P<0.05). SHR myocardial expression of Bcl-2 significantly increased (P<0.05), Bax expression significantly decreased (P<0.05) and Bcl-2/Bax was significantly higher (P<0. 05) in group RS. Bcl-2 and Bax play an important role in the apoptosis of myocardial cells in SHRs. Right stellate ganglion block can reduce the apoptosis of myocardial cells and reverse the reconstruction of the left ventricle in SHRs via regulation of apoptosis-related gene proteins.