Endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide synthesis and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rabbits
Xiong, Y.; Li, Y.J.; Yu, X.J.; Liu, G.Z.; Li, N.S.
Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 17(2): 149-152
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9756 PMID: 9772666 Document Number: 456078
AIM: To examine whether the elevation of endogenous N-G, N-G-dimethylarginine (DMA) content is related to lipid peroxidation in the high lipid-fed rabbit. METHODS: In high lipid diet-fed rabbits, concentrations of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, malondialdehyde (MDA), and DMA were measured, and endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was tested. RESULTS: After 6-wk on a high lipid-diet, the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, MDA, and DMA were increased vs those in control group (MDA was 2. 88 +- s 0. 20 vs 1. 54 +- 0.13 nmol cntdot L-1, P lt 0.01 and DMA was 1. 51 +- 0.07 vs 0.75 +- 0.13 mu-mol cntdot L-1, P lt 0.01), while the endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the isolated thoracic aorta was impaired (the maximal response to ACh was 45.59 +- 3.10 vs 76.93 +- 5.68%). Supplementation with vitamin E decreased MDA and DMA content and improved the endothelium-dependent vasodilation. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in serum concentration of DMA may be secondary to the elevation of lipid peroxides in the hyperlipidemic rabbit.