Effects of Aging on Endothelium-dependent Vasodilation of Human Artery

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.