Consequences of lipopolysaccharide and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid administration on aortic function of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The aim of the work was to study the delayed effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on endothelial function of the aorta of rats with genetic hypertension. Further, the possibility to ameliorate LPS-induced changes by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) was tested. Rats received a bolus of 1 mg/kg LPS i.p.; n-3 PUFA were administered in the dose of 30 mg/kg daily for 10 days p.o.. Ten days after receiving of LPS, the body weight gain of rats was statistically lower compared to control rats (p < 0.05). n-3 PUFA administration to LPS rats had no effect on this parameter. The TBARS and NAGA concentrations in plasma were significantly increased in the LPS group (p < 0.05) and n-3 PUFA administration returned them to control values. In functional studies, phenylephrine (PE, 1 mu mol/l) evoked contraction of aortas which was not statistically different among experimental groups. However, endothelium-dependent relaxation was depressed in the LPS group (p < 0.05) and n-3 PUFA slightly recovered it to control values. In conclusion, oxidative stress seems to be responsible for aortic endothelial dysfunction detected 10 days after administration of LPS to rats. n-3 PUFA slightly improved the function of the endothelium injured by LPS, probably thanks to their antioxidant properties. Prolonged administration of higher doses of n-3 PUFA should defend the vascular endothelium against detrimental effect of bacterial inflammation.