Simultaneous assessment of autonomic nervous and vascular endothelial functions in a rat model.

Despite the importance of translational medicine in cardiovascular research, rat vascular endothelial function and sympathetic activity assessment remains challenging.This study consisted of two parts: part A examined the consistency of reactive hyperemia-elicited dilatation index(DI) before (DI Original ) and after (DI EEMD ) ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) using Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)rats (n = 7). Part B compared the endothelial function and heart rate variability of normal WKY rats (group 1, n = 9)with those of spontaneously hypertensive rats (group 2,n = 9) at two time points of development. The SD1/SD2 ratio(SSR) was obtained from Poincaré plot analysis to evaluate sympathetic activities. Using a Bland-Altman plot, part A of the study demonstrated a lower agreement of DI Original than that of DI EEMD . In part B, despite no significant difference in DI EEMD between the two groups at age 10 weeks, DI EEMD was higher in group 1 (2.25 } 0.63 vs. 1.43 } 0.41 for groups 1 and 2, respectively, p = 0.004) at 20 weeks. Although no notable change in SSR existed in group 1 between the twotime points, a significant difference existed in group 2(p < 0.001). In conclusion, using algorithms of Poincaré plot analysis and EEMD, the impact of age and hypertension on rat vascular endothelial function and heart rate variability can be reliably assessed.

A non-invasive assessment for endothelial function of small animals.

At present, many studies indicate that atherosclerosis has high correlation with risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, atherosclerosis usually accompanies with endothelial dysfunction. However, endothelial dysfunction dose not necessarily have situation of atherosclerosis. It means that endothelial dysfunction can be the early change of atherosclerosis. If we can use non-invasive methods to monitor the function of vascular endothelia, it will be very helpful for early assessment of atherosclerosis. It can also detect atherosclerosis earlier then decrease the mortality and mobility of atherosclerosis related diseases, such as coronary artery disease, stroke and chronic renal disease, with appropriate management.