The effect of different antioxidants on nitric oxide production in hypertensive rats

Physiol Res. 2006:55 Suppl 1:S3-S16. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.930000.55.S1.3.

Abstract

The imbalance between nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production appears to be a common feature of experimental and human hypertension. Previously, different antioxidants and/or scavengers of oxygen free radicals were shown to activate nitric oxide synthase (NO synthase, NOS) and to increase the expression of both endothelial and neuronal NO synthase isoforms leading to blood pressure reduction. On the other hand, various antihypertensive drugs have been documented to possess antioxidant properties, which may contribute to their beneficial effect on blood pressure. This review is focused on the effects of antioxidant treatment in different models of experimental hypertension with a special attention to the prevention of oxidative damage and the augmentation of NO synthase activity and expression of NOS isoforms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Free Radicals / metabolism
  • Hypertension / metabolism*
  • Models, Animal
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Free Radicals
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase