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Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
Published on: February 14, 2021
Quercetin improves baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Matheus M O Monteiro1, Maria S França-Silva, Naiane F B Alves
1Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil. monteirommo@gmail.com
Quercetin treatment effectively lowered mean arterial pressure and reduced oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats. This antioxidant also improved baroreflex sensitivity, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in managing hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hypertension.
- Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is an important indicator of cardiovascular autonomic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of quercetin on mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and BRS in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
- To determine if quercetin's effects are related to a reduction in oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls were treated with quercetin (2, 10, or 25 mg/kg/day) or saline for seven days.
- MAP and HR were recorded, and BRS was assessed using phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside.
- Serum oxidative stress was measured using the thiobarbituric acid reactive species assay.
Main Results:
- Quercetin doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg/day significantly decreased MAP in SHR, but not in WKY rats.
- The 25 mg/kg/day dose of quercetin enhanced the parasympathetic component of BRS in SHR.
- Quercetin treatment significantly reduced serum oxidative stress levels in SHR.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin demonstrates antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
- Quercetin improves baroreflex sensitivity in hypertensive rats, likely through a reduction in oxidative stress.
- These findings suggest quercetin as a potential therapeutic agent for hypertension management.
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