Mechanisms involved in the in vitro contractile dysfunction induced by different concentrations of ferrous iron in the rat myocardium.

Iron intoxication is related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and organic damage including the cardiovascular system, and is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in children. In this study we examined whether a range of ferrous iron (Fe(2+)) concentrations can interfere differently on the myocardial mechanics, investigating the ROS-mediated effects. Developed force of isolated rat papillary muscles was depressed with a concentration- and time-dependency by Fe(2+) 100-1000μM.

Exposure to a Low Lead Concentration Impairs Contractile Machinery in Rat Cardiac Muscle.

Lead exposure has been considered to be a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of low plasma lead concentration on cardiac contractility in isolated papillary muscles. Wistar rats were divided in control group or group treated with 100 ppm of lead acetate in the drinking water for 15 days.

Toll-like receptor 4 upregulation by angiotensin II contributes to hypertension and vascular dysfunction through reactive oxygen species production.

Hypertension is considered as a low-grade inflammatory disease, with adaptive immunity being an important mediator of this pathology. TLR4 may have a role in the development of several cardiovascular diseases; however, little is known about its participation in hypertension. We aimed to investigate whether TLR4 activation due to increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to hypertension and its associated endothelial dysfunction.

Flaxseed oil increases aortic reactivity to phenylephrine through reactive oxygen species and the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway in rats.

Background: Flaxseed oil has the highest concentration of omega-3 α-linolenic acid, which has been associated with cardiovascular benefit. However, the mechanism underlying the vascular effects induced through flaxseed oil is not well known. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of flaxseed oil on vascular function in isolated rat aortic rings.