الفهرس 
Oxidative stressOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Many forms of HT are associated with increased oxidative stress and vascular endothelium dysfunction with nitric oxide (NO deficiency. The aim of the present study was to investigate the implication of HCY, oxidative stress and NO in the pathophysiology of ACTH -induced HT in rats, the effect of FA on prevention and/or reversal of ACTH-induced HT in rats, the potential beneficial effect of FA on endothelial function. Thirty six male adult albino rats were used and equally divided into 6 groups (n = 6) (1) Rats received normal saline daily orally and S.C injection for 13 days. (2) Rats were treated with ACTH (0.2 mg/kg/day S.C.) for 11 days , and saline was given daily and orally 4 days before and during ACTH injection. (3) Rats were treated with ACTH (0.2 mg/kg/day S.C ) for 11 days. FA was given daily 0.04 g/L in drinking water) 4 days before and during ACTH injection Prevention study). (4) Rats were treated with ACTH (0.2 mg/kg /day S.C.) for 13 days, and saline was given daily and orally from the 8th day and for 6 days.(5) Rats were treated with ACTH(0.2 mg/kg/day S.C.) for 13 days. FA was given daily (0.04 g/L in drinking water) from the 8th day and for 6 days) (Reversal study). (6) Rats were treated with FA (0.04br>g/L in drinking water) and saline S.C. for 13 days .Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail cuff method Thymus/ body wt ratio was measured as marker of ACTH activity.Markers of oxidative stress of [lipid peroxidation indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA)], NO metabolites (NO) and HCY were determined in rat serum. Endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (ACh) after precontraction with phenylephrine was measured to assess endothelial function. Results of the present investigation showed that ACTH-induced HT was accompanied by significantly increased serum levels of MDA & HCY, decreased plasma levels of NO, and attenuated relaxation response to ACh.Treatment with FA partially prevented and reversed ACTH-induced effects. FA significantly increased serum NO levels, decreased serum MDA & HCY concentrations, and Furthermore, FA has beneficial effect on endothelial function via improving endothelium-dependent vasodilatation response to ACh. In conclusion, results of the present study revealed a protective role of FA against ACTH-induced HT which could be attributed to the FA ability to decrease associated oxidative stress of the vascular endothelium via decreasing HCY &MDA, and increasing NO production.