ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF Zuccagnia punctata EXTRACT IMPROVES VASCULAR FUNCTION IN A MODEL OF NORMAL WEIGHT OBESITY

AGOSTINA VALOY; MIRTA MEDINA; CATIANA ZAMPINI; MARÍA INES ISLA; SUSANA JEREZ

Tafi del Valle

Jornada; XXXV Jornadas Científicas de la Asociación de Biología de Tucumán; 2018

Previously, we characterized a high fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolically obese and normal weight rabbit model. This model was characterized by endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular reactivity to angiotensin II (AngII). We also demonstrated a beneficial effect of a standardized extract from Zuccagnia punctata (ZpE) on endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Objective: to determine the effect of the oral administration of ZpE onvascular dysfunction induced by HFD. Methods: male rabbits were separated into three groups: fed on regular diet, fed on HFD and fed on HFD orally administered 2.5mgGAE/day ZpE (HFD+Zp). To check endothelial function, acetylcholine (Ach) relaxation in aortic rings and plasma nitrites concentration by Griess reaction were measured. To check vascular reactivity to AngII, aortic rings were exposed to the agonist in the absence (control) or presence of tetraetilamonium (TEA, KCa channel blocker) or Bay K8644 (Ca2+ channel activator, L-type, Cav). Results: oral administration of ZpE: -improved Ach relaxation and plasma nitrites levels (HFD 12±9.5, HFD+Zp 120±31nmoles/mg proteins; p