Alpha tocopherol and blood pressure in PN/n mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Nutritional Science
• Immunology

Background:

• PN/n mice exhibit elevated tail cuff blood pressure preceding observable arteritis and glomerulitis.
• Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) is a known antioxidant with potential roles in inflammation and vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dietary alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) levels on blood pressure in PN/n mice.
• To explore the potential link between vitamin E, prostaglandin production, and hypertension in this mouse model.

Main Methods:

• Breeding PN/n mice for multiple generations on diets with varying alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) content.
• Monitoring tail cuff blood pressure and observing histological changes.
• Administering alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) via diet and intraperitoneal injection.

Main Results:

• A diet low in alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) for two generations reduced blood pressure in PN/n mice to control levels.
• Supplementation or dietary replacement of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) led to a significant increase in blood pressure.
• Prolonged breeding with additional vitamin E resulted in a mean blood pressure of 150 mm/Hg.
• Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) did not affect blood pressure in control CBA/MAC mice.

Conclusions:

• Dietary alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure in PN/n mice.
• Vitamin E's effect on blood pressure may involve the inhibition of prostaglandin production.
• These findings highlight a potential nutritional intervention strategy for managing hypertension.