Influence of rosuvastatin on the NAD(P)H oxidase activity in the retina and electroretinographic response of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background and purpose: Retinal complications may be encountered during the development of hypertension as a response to oxidative stress. Statins may reduce the risk of developing hypertension and ocular diseases. We evaluate the effects of rosuvastatin (ROSU) on retinal functionality and oxidative stress levels in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Experimental approach: Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and SHR were treated for 3 weeks with rosuvastatin (10mg kg(-1) day(-1)). Electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded before and after rosuvastatin treatment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined in the retina with dihydroethidium staining and NAD(P)H oxidase activity was evaluated. Key results: Retinal ganglion cell ROS and retinal NAD(P) H oxidase activity were higher in SHR than in WKY rats, respectively (17.1 +/- 71.1 vs 10.2 +/- 71.2 AU, P < 0.01; 38095 +/- 8900 vs 14081 +/- 5820 RLUmg(-1); P < 0.05). The ERG b-wave amplitude in SHR was significantly lower than that in WKY rats. Rosuvastatin reduced SBP in SHR but did not change plasma lipid levels. Rosuvastatin treatment in SHR significantly decreased ROS levels (11.2 +/- 1.3, P < 0.01), NAD(P)H activity in retinal ganglion cells (9889 +/- 4290; P < 0.05), and increased retinal plasmalogen content in SHR, but did not modify the ERG response. Conclusions and implications: Rosuvastatin, beyond lowering cholesterol levels, was able to lower ROS in the retina induced by hypertension, but without improving retinal function in SHR. These findings point to a complex relationship between ROS in the pathogenesis of retinal disease and hypertension.