Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Measurement of Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation in the Mouse Thoracic Aorta Using Tensometric Small Volume Chamber Myography
Published on: August 12, 2022
Chenopodium ambrosioides induces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat isolated aorta
Asmae Assaidi1, Ikram Dib1, Monique Tits2
1Laboratory of Physiology, Genetics and Ethnopharmacology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed I University, Oujda 60000, Morocco.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action.
Methods:
The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of various extracts from the leaves of C. ambrosioides were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were analyzed, using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, for their polyphenolic content.
Results:
The various active extracts of C. ambrosioides at four concentrations (10-3, 10-2, 10-1 and 1 mg/mL) relaxed the contraction elicited by phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect seems to be endothelium-dependent, since the vasodilatory effect was entirely absent in denuded aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of the methanol fraction (MF) of C. ambrosioides at 1 mg/mL was also inhibited by atropine and tetraethylammonium. This effect remained unchanged by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and glibenclamide. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves of C. ambrosioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid derivatives.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that the MF of C. ambrosioides produces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated rat aorta, which is thought to be mediated mainly through stimulation of the muscarinic receptors, and probably involving the opening of Ca2+-activated potassium channels.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Aorta
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
Thoracic Aorta
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...

