Different measures that antagonize the over production of super oxide in blood vessels in hypercholesterolemic rats

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic process. It is associated with progressive accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels & elevated low density Lipoproteins. Cholesterol contributes to heart diseases only when it is oxidized or subjected to free radical damage leading to formation of plaques in the arteries which is the key in the development of heart diseases. Nitric oxide may act to antagonize the adrenergic regulatory system thus helps to control vascular tone. It also acts to inhibit platelet aggregation, adhesion & relax smooth muscle wall. When nitric oxide meets with the evil super oxide a very dangerous compound is formed called Peroxinitrite which can cause thiol oxidation & tyrosine nitration.

Super oxide dismutase enzyme acts as super scavenger of the dangerous free radicals. It catalyzes the conversion of super oxide to hydrogen peroxide which is less toxic. The present study tried to find out best measures to antagonize the super oxide in the hypercholesterolemic rats. In the present study 50 white male albino rats weighing 150-200 grns. were used. They were divided into five groups, each group included ten rats. Group (I) control group, group (2) hypercholesterolemic group given high fat diet consisting of 1.5 grams saturated animal fat+ 10 grams ordinary chow for one month. Group (3) hypercholesterolemic group treated with L-arginine at a dose of0.3grns./K.gm. simultaneously with the hypercholesterolemic diet for one month. Group (4) hypercholesterolemic group treated with A.C.E. inhibitor capoten at a dose of 5 mgm.