A Review of Endothelium-Dependent and -Independent Vasodilation Induced by Phytochemicals in Isolated Rat Aorta

Abstract

Simple SummaryCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, so the investigation of new therapeutic tools is a priority for their prevention and treatment. This review shows the relevant contribution of the isolated rat aorta as an in vitro experimental model to validate the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, mainly those present in plants traditionally used in folk medicine to relieve hypertension. The results of the assays carried out in this model show that a variety of plant extracts and their isolated compounds produce vasodilation, which may explain their use, especially to treat hypertension.AbstractThis review discusses the contribution of the use of the isolated rat aorta (IRA) as a model for the evaluation of extracts and metabolites produced by plants with a vasodilator effect in animals. This model continues to be a valuable approach for the search and development of new phytochemicals consumed as medicinal plants or foods. In most cases, the sources of phytochemicals have been used in folk medicine to treat ailments that include hypertension. In this model, the endothelium is emphasized as a key component that modulates the vessel contractility, and therefore the basal tone and blood pressure. Based on the functional nature of the model, we focused on studies that determined the endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatory activity of phytochemicals. We describe the mechanisms that account for aorta contraction and relaxation, and subsequently show the vasoactive effect of a series of phytochemicals acting as vasodilators and its endothelium dependence. We highlight information regarding the cardiovascular benefits of phytochemicals, especially their potential antihypertensive effect. On this basis, we discuss the advantages of the IRA as a predictive model to support the research and development of new drugs that may be of help in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the number one cause of death worldwide.

Characterization of Fruit Development, Antioxidant Capacity, and Potential Vasoprotective Action of Peumo (Cryptocarya alba), a Native Fruit of Chile

“…In the present study, the deterioration of endothelium-dependent relaxation, induced by high glucose in the aortic rings, was partially reversed by the extract of ripe peumo fruits ( Figure 4 ), suggesting that this extract may prevent vascular damage caused by high glucose levels. An example is postprandial hyperglycemia, a phenomenon associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects [ 65 ]. Previous studies indicate that the vasoprotective mechanism depended on bioactive molecules.…”

Secondary Metabolites of Plants as Modulators of Endothelium Functions

“…A K + channel opening leads to membrane hyperpolarization ( Figure 8 ), resulting in closing of VDCC and preventing Ca 2+ influx. The concentration of cytosolic Ca 2+ is reduced, which leads to VSMC relaxation and consequent vasodilation [ 39 ]. A significant number of natural vasodilators at least partially utilize the mechanism of Ca 2+ -activated K + channel activation [ 33 , 38 ].…”

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cong. Leaves Promotes Vasodilatation and Reduces Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

“…e second pathway of PKG stimulation is the activation of the K + channel [30]. e opening of a K + channel in the vascular smooth muscle membrane cells causes hyperpolarization, increasing K + efflux, leading to the closure of Ca 2+ channels and, consequently, vasodilation [31].…”