Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University (Jan 2019)
Tissue Specific Effects of Chronic Sustained Hypoxia on Oxidative Stress: Role of Cilnidipine, a Dual L/N Type Calcium Channel Blocker
Abstract
Background: Blood flow, metabolic rate and oxygen requirements of an organ guide the extent of oxidative stress experienced by any tissue in response to chronic hypoxia. Currently cilnidipine is used in the management of hypertension and its antioxidant actions are gaining wide interest. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the tissue specific effects of chronic sustained hypoxia with regards to oxidative stress in the context of cilnidipine. Material and Methods: Twenty four adult male Wistar strain albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups: group 1, control, normoxia (21% O ); group 2, chronic hypoxia (CH) (10% O) for 21 days; group 3, normoxia + cilnidipine (Cil) for 21 days; group 4, chronic hypoxia + cilnidipine (CH+Cil) for 21 days. Following 21 days of intervention blood was collected and animals were sacrificed and liver,lung and heart were collected. Serum MDA and MDA in tissue homogenate of liver, lung and heart were estimated. Results: Our results demonstrate the elevated serum MDAlevels in chronic hypoxia exposed rats (group 2). We also observed increased MDA in liver followed by lung and least in the heart in chronic hypoxia exposed rats (group 2). Treatment with cilnidipine reduced serum MDA and heart MDA levels in cilnidipine treated chronic hypoxia exposed rats (group 4). However cilnidipine did not have any influence on MDA levels in the liver and lung in same group of rats. Conclusion: The results demonstrate tissue specific effects of chronic sustained hypoxia with the highest oxidative stress observed in the liver followed by the lung. Although oxidative stress is also observed in the heart it is the least in comparison to the liver and the lung. Cilnidipine, a dual L/N type calcium channel blocker demonstrated beneficial antioxidant actions only in the heart supporting the cardioprotective role of cilnidipine.
