Dose-dependent influence of two-week administration of simvastatin and metoprolol injection on the blood pressure in normocholesterolemic rats.

Unlabelled: Beta-blockers are widely used in clinical practice. It is connected with their multiple cardiac effects: slowing heart rate, decrease of myocardial contractility and lowering of systemic blood pressure. Early use of beta-blocker in acute myocardial infarction reduces the risks of reinfarction and ventricular fibrillation. However, the above effects may be associated with the risk of cardiogenic shock. Many patients with cardiovascular diseases receiving beta-blockers are recommended to statin therapy, as well. There are several reports indicating that statins have beneficial cardiovascular effects through their broad spectrum of cholesterol-independent action. It has been revealed that statins could decrease blood pressure, as well. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of simvastatin in different doses and metoprolol injection on the blood pressure in normocholesterolemic rats. The experiments were performed on Wistar rats, outbred males. Simvastatin at 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg or vehicle (0.2% methylcellulose) were given intragastrically during two-week period. After two week simvastatin administration, rats were injected intraperitoneally with metoprolol at 5 mg/kg b. w. The arterial blood pressure signals were provided by Isotec pressure transducer connected to a direct current bridge amplifier and catheter was implanted into the right carotid artery.

Conclusion: Two week administration of simvastatin in different doses to normocholesterolaemic rats does not modify metoprolol impact on the blood pressure.