Abstract
The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on pharmacological reactivity of a resistance vessel in a rat model and the possible modulatory role of 1,25-(OH)2-cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). The PCOS model was induced in adolescent female Wistar rats by a 10-week DHT treatment. Norepinephrine induced contractility and acetylcholine relaxation were tested in arterioles by pressure arteriography in control as well as DHT- and DHT plus vitamin D3-treated (DHT+D3) animals. Decreased vasoconstriction and dilatation were detected after DHT treatment. Concomitant vitamin D3 treatment increased the contractile response and resulted in more relaxed vessels. Endothelial dilation tested with acetylcholine was lower after DHT treatment, this effect was not depend on vitamin D3 supplementation. In conclusion, hyperandrogenic state resulted in reduced endothelium- and smooth muscle-dependent vasorelaxation and constriction with a complete loss of nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation compared with controls. These alterations caused by chronic DHT treatment were partially reversed by concomitant vitamin D3 administration.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to express their gratitude to Mrs. Ildikó Murányi for her devoted efforts in solving the technical problems in the laboratory work.
Declaration of Interest: This study was sponsored by a research grant from the Hungarian Society of Hypertension. The authors declared no conflict of interest.