A computer-assisted arterial blood pressure monitor

Introduction: To study the effects of glufimet, a new derivative of glutamic acid, and phenibut, a derivative of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), on cardiac and cerebral mitochondria and endothelial functions in animals following exposure to stress and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition. Methods: Rats suspended by their dorsal cervical skin fold for 24 hours served as the immobilization and pain stress model. Arterial blood pressure was determined using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. Mitochondrial fraction of heart and brain homogenates were isolated by differential centrifugation and analysed for mitochondrial respiration intensity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzyme activity using polarographic method. The concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) terminal metabolites were measured using Griess reagent. Hemostasis indices were evaluated. Platelet aggregation was estimated using modified version of the Born method described by Gabbasov et al., 1989. Results: The present study demonstrated that stress leads to an elevated concentration of NO terminal metabolites and LPO products, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced mitochondrial respiratory function, and endothelial dysfunction. Inhibition of iNOS by aminoguanidine had a protective effect. Phenibut and glufimet inhibited a rise in stress-induced nitric oxide production. This resulted in enhanced coupling of substrate peroxidation and ATP synthesis. The reduced LPO processes caused by glufimet and phenibut normalized the endothelial function which was proved by the absence of average daily blood pressure (BP) elevation episodes and a significant increase in platelet aggregation level. Conclusion: Glufimet and phenibut restrict the harmful effects of stress on the heart and brain possibly by modulating iNOS activity.

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Cardiovascular Effects of Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530319666191206163136 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (8) ◽

pp. 1253-1261

Author(s):

Mourad Akdad ◽

Mohamed Eddouks

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Arterial Blood Pressure ◽

Antihypertensive Activity ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Hypertensive Rats ◽

Vasorelaxant Effect ◽

Arterial Blood

Aims: The present study was performed in order to analyze the antihypertensive activity of Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. Background: Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This herb is used to treat various pathologies such as cardiovascular disorders. Meanwhile, its pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system have not been studied. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Micromeria graeca (AEMG) on the cardiovascular system in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Methods: In this study, the cardiovascular effect of AEMG was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro investigations. In order to assess the acute effect of AEMG on the cardiovascular system, anesthetized L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received AEMG (100 mg/kg) orally and arterial blood pressure parameters were monitored during six hours. In the sub-chronic study, rats were orally treated for one week, followed by blood pressure assessment during one week of treatment. Blood pressure was measured using a tail-cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. In the second experiment, isolated rat aortic ring pre-contracted with Epinephrine (EP) or KCl was used to assess the vasorelaxant effect of AEMG. Results: Oral administration of AEMG (100 mg/kg) provoked a decrease of arterial blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats. In addition, AEMG induced a vasorelaxant effect in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted with EP (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM). This effect was attenuated in the presence of propranolol and methylene blue. While in the presence of glibenclamide, L-NAME, nifedipine or Indomethacin, the vasorelaxant effect was not affected. Conclusion: This study showed that Micromeria graeca possesses a potent antihypertensive effect and relaxes the vascular smooth muscle through β-adrenergic and cGMP pathways.

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