Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on nitric oxide metabolites and systolic blood pressure in rats exposed to lead
M Amani
1
, *
,
A Noroozzadeh
2
,
A Asgari
2
and
A Khoshbaten
2
Trauma Monthly: 13 (2) ; 95-102 Article Type: Research Article
To Cite:
Amani
M, Noroozzadeh
A, Asgari
A, Khoshbaten
A. Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on nitric oxide metabolites and systolic blood pressure in rats exposed to lead,
Trauma Mon.
Online ahead of Print
; 13(2):95-102.
Abstract
Introduction: Extended exposure to low levels of lead causes high blood pressure in human and laboratory animals. The mechanism is not completely recognized, but it is relatively implicated with generation of free radicals, oxidant agents such as ROS and decrease of available nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we have demonstrated the effect of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant on nitric oxide metabolites and systolic blood pressure in rats exposed to low levels of lead. Material and Methods: The adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250g were divided into four groups: control, lead acetate (receiving 100ppm lead acetate in drinking water), lead acetate plus ascorbic acid (receiving 100ppm lead acetate and 1g/lit ascorbic acid in drinking water) and ascorbic acid (receiving 1g/lit ascorbic acid in drinking water) groups. The animals were anaesthetized with Ketamin/Xylazine (50 and 7 mg/kg respectively ip) and systolic blood pressure was then measured from the tail of the animals by sphygmomanometer. Nitric oxide levels in serum were measured indirectly by evaluation of its stable metabolites (total nitrite and nitrate (NOx)) using spectrophotometric method of Griess reaction. Results: After 8 and 12 weeks, systolic blood pressure in lead acetate group was significantly elevated compared to the control group. Ascorbic acid supplementation could prevent the systolic blood pressure rise in lead acetate plus ascorbic acid group and there was no significant difference relative to the control group. The serum NOx levels in lead acetate group significantly decreased in relation with the control group, but this reduction was not significantly different between lead acetate plus ascorbic acid group and the control group.Conclusion :Results of this study suggest that ascorbic acid as an antioxidant prevents the lead induced hypertension. This effect can be medicated by inhibition of NOx oxidation and thereby increasing available NO.
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