The endothelium impairs the vasodilator effect of Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO](3+) (TERPY) in Wistar rat aortas. We hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction could modulate TERPY׳s effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study... more
The endothelium impairs the vasodilator effect of Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO](3+) (TERPY) in Wistar rat aortas. We hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction could modulate TERPY׳s effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study investigated the role of the endothelium in the hypotensive and vasodilator effects of TERPY in spontaneously hypertensive rats. We observed a higher hypotensive effect of TERPY in spontaneously hypertensive than in Wistar rats. l-N(G)-Nitroarginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, increased TERPY׳s hypotensive effect in Wistar but not in spontaneously hypertensive rats. TERPY induced a concentration-dependent vasodilator effect in aortas of both rat models. Endothelium removal or l-NAME increased TERPY׳s potency in Wistar rat aortas; this effect was decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats. TERPY increased nitric oxide level in spontaneously hypertensive rat endothelial cells; this increase was abolished in the presence of l-NAME. In c...