Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration
Published on: April 4, 2022
Coadministration of carvedilol attenuates nitrate tolerance by preventing cytochrome p450 depletion
Atsushi Nakahira1, Yukiko Minamiyama, Shigekazu Takemura
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
Background:
Long-term administration of nitroglycerin (NTG) causes tolerance secondary to increased vascular formation of reactive oxygen species. Carvedilol, which has potent antioxidant activity in addition to functioning as an adrenergic blocker, prevents nitrate tolerance by a still to be elucidated mechanism. The present study investigated how carvedilol attenuates nitrate tolerance, particularly with reference to cytochrome P450 (CYP), an enzyme involved in the development of tolerance.
Methods And Results:
Male Wistar rats were subjected to 48-h continuous infusion of NTG alone (0.5 mg/h) or NTG with concomitant carvedilol (20 or 100 microg/h), and then compared with vehicle-treated rats (4 groups; n=6 in each group). Following the continuous administration, nitrate tolerance, assessed by bolus NTG injections, was hemodynamically prevented by coadministration of carvedilol. Levels of CYP1A1/1A2, superoxide production, and phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein at serine 239 (P-VASP) were examined in the aortic wall and heart tissue. When NTG alone was continuously administered, vascular superoxide was produced, there was a decrease in the cardiac CYP1A1/1A2 level, and depletion of P-VASP. However, each of these changes induced by continuous NTG administration was significantly attenuated by coadministration of carvedilol and the extent of attenuation was more pronounced at the higher dose (100 microg/h).
Conclusions:
Coadministration of carvedilol attenuates nitrate tolerance through maintenance of NO/cGMP pathway activity by preventing free radical generation and CYP depletion.
Insights
Carvedilol prevents nitroglycerin tolerance by reducing oxidative stress and maintaining NO/cGMP pathway activity. This antioxidant effect, particularly at higher doses, preserves vascular function during long-term nitroglycerin administration.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Long-term nitroglycerin (NTG) use leads to tolerance, associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vasculature.
- Carvedilol, an adrenergic blocker with antioxidant properties, is known to prevent nitrate tolerance via an unknown mechanism.
- This study investigates carvedilol's role in attenuating NTG tolerance, focusing on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which carvedilol attenuates nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced tolerance.
- To investigate the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and oxidative stress in carvedilol's protective effects against NTG tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats received continuous infusions of NTG alone or with carvedilol (20 or 100 microg/h) for 48 hours.
- Nitrate tolerance was assessed hemodynamically via NTG bolus injections.
- Levels of CYP1A1/1A2, superoxide production, and phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (P-VASP) were measured in aortic and cardiac tissues.
Main Results:
- Coadministration of carvedilol hemodynamically prevented NTG-induced tolerance.
- NTG alone increased vascular superoxide production, decreased cardiac CYP1A1/1A2 levels, and depleted P-VASP.
- Carvedilol significantly attenuated these NTG-induced changes, with greater effect at the higher dose (100 microg/h).
Conclusions:
- Coadministration of carvedilol effectively attenuates nitrate tolerance.
- Carvedilol maintains NO/cGMP pathway activity by preventing free radical generation and CYP depletion.
- These findings highlight carvedilol's potential in managing nitrate tolerance.
Related Concept Videos
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators