Change of nitric oxide synthase activity in serum of atherosclerotic rabbit / 基础医学与临床

ABSTRACT

Objective To find the changes and effects of nitric oxide synthase activity in atherosclerotic rabbit models. Methods Thirty rabbits were divided into 3 groups at random: control group, atherogenic diet group, balloon-injury+ atherogenic diet group. Three months later underwent pharmacological triggering with Chinese Russell’s viper venom and histamine to make the plaque rupture. Lipid concentrations and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), NOS and hydroxy radical (OH) in the serum were obtained at different period, and pathologic changes were observed. Results In atherogenic diet group and balloon-injury+ atherogenic diet group, serum lipid concentrations markedly increased, but the levels of NO did not show any difference. The activity of NOS and OH levels were obviously increased after the atherogenic diet. But it reduced after pharmacological triggering and plaque rupture. Conclusion In early period of atherosclerosis, NOS activity up regulated and endothelium functions were compensated. But, When the atherosclerotic plaques were unstable, the activity of NOS descended obviously and endothelium function goes into incompensation.