Comparative effects of melatonin and vitamin E in restoring aortic relaxation in pancreatectomized rats

In a previous study we reported the efficacy of melatonin to restore the decreased relaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh) or to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in aortic rings of rats turned hyperglycemic by subtotal pancreatectomy. The effect was amplified by pre-incubation in a high (44 mmol/l) glucose solution, a situation that resulted in oxidative stress. We hereby compare the effect of another antioxidant, vitamin E, with that of melatonin on ACh response in intact aortic rings or on SNP response in endothelium-denuded aortic rings obtained from pancreatectomized or sham-operated rats. Dose-response curves to ACh or SNP were performed in the presence or absence of melatonin or vitamin E (10-5 mol/1) in 10 or 44 mmol/1 glucose medium. Melatonin was more effective than vitamin E in restoring ACh- or SNP-induced relaxation of aortic rings in a high glucose medium. The differences between the two antioxidants may rely on the ability of melatonin to diffuse readily into intracellular compartments.