Pharmacological reactivity of resistance vessels in a rat PCOS model - vascular effects of parallel vitamin D₃ treatment

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012 Dec;28(12):961-4. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2012.683079. Epub 2012 May 24.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on pharmacological reactivity of a resistance vessel in a rat model and the possible modulatory role of 1,25-(OH)₂-cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃). The PCOS model was induced in adolescent female Wistar rats by a 10-week DHT treatment. Norepinephrine induced contractility and acetylcholine relaxation were tested in arterioles by pressure arteriography in control as well as DHT- and DHT plus vitamin D₃-treated (DHT+D3) animals. Decreased vasoconstriction and dilatation were detected after DHT treatment. Concomitant vitamin D₃ treatment increased the contractile response and resulted in more relaxed vessels. Endothelial dilation tested with acetylcholine was lower after DHT treatment, this effect was not depend on vitamin D₃ supplementation. In conclusion, hyperandrogenic state resulted in reduced endothelium- and smooth muscle-dependent vasorelaxation and constriction with a complete loss of nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation compared with controls. These alterations caused by chronic DHT treatment were partially reversed by concomitant vitamin D₃ administration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arterioles / drug effects*
  • Arterioles / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cholecalciferol / administration & dosage
  • Cholecalciferol / therapeutic use*
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Drug Implants
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Thigh
  • Vascular Resistance / drug effects
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects
  • Vasodilation / drug effects

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Drug Implants
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Cholecalciferol