[Effect of cicletanine on the mechanical properties of the arterial wall]

The management of arterial hypertension should include not only lowering of blood pressure but also treatment of the arterial wall. We tested the effect on arterial wall mechanical properties of cicletanine administered orally in doses of 3 mg/kg/day for two weeks to normotensive and genetically hypertensive rats. These properties were evaluated by three different methods consisting of measuring the characteristic compliance of the ascending aorta (Zc) the systemic arterial compliance (SAC) and the compliance of the isolated carotid artery in situ (CC). Following treatment, there were no significant changes in blood pressure, cardiac output and heart rate in the two groups of rats. In contrast, Zc, SAC and CC were modified, resulting in increased distensibility of the arterial wall. The mechanisms of arterial wall improvement remain to be determined. One of them could be a treatment-induced release of PGI2 by the arterial wall.