P5 The long-term effect of hydrogen sulphide deficiency on general parameters and structure of cardiovascular system of Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an endogenous signalling molecule playing important roles under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. There is a paucity of information regarding the long-term H2S deficiency on structure of cardiovascular system. The study characterise general parameters and structure of the cardiovascular system after long-term inhibition of cystationine gama-lyase (CSE) with propargyl glycine (PPG). Methods PPG (30 mg/kg/day dissolved in physiological solution) was administered i.p. to Wistar rats from 10[th]–16[th] week of age. Systolic blood pressure (sBP) was measured by the plethysmographic method weekly. At the end of the experiment the animals ( n = 10 in control and experimental group) were perfused with a glutaraldehyde fixative under the pressure of 120 mmHg. Thoracic aorta, carotid, mesenteric and coronary arteries were excised and processed according to electron microscopic procedure. Geometry of the arteries was measured on semi-thin sections in light microscopy. Results Six weeks of PPG administration evoked decrease of body weight. sBP (during whole course of the experiment) and heart/body weight ratio (at the end of the experiment) were not changed. Wall thickness (tunica intima + media), cross sectional area (tunica intima + media), and wall thickness/inner diameter were significantly decreased after PPG administration in all arteries studied. Inner diameters of the arteries were not changed. Discussion and conclusion In Wistar rats long-term H2S deficiency due to CSE inhibition with PPG resulted in blood pressure independent hypotrophy of the conduit arteries.