Abstract:
ObjectiveTo determine the effects of aging on endothelium-dependent vasodilation of human artery. MethodsVessel tension changes induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) on gastroepiploic artery rings were recorded in 15 patients with stomach cancer aged between 51 and 83 years. The mRNA expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (
eNOS),cyclooxygenase (
COX),cystathionineγ lyase (
CSE) and the C-type natriuretic peptide (
CNP) in the artery vessels were detected by qRT-PCR. ResultsBoth endothelium-dependent and EDHF induced vasodilation decreased with age (
P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of
eNOS,CSE and
CNP also decreased with age (
P<0.05),except
COX. ConclusionAging could impair the function of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and EDHF-induced vasodialtion of human artery,possibly due to decreased NO,H2S and CNP in artery.