Type-C natriuretic peptide prevents development of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits

Abstract

1. We investigated the effect of local administration of type-C natriuretic peptide (CNP) on the endothelial dysfunction and development of an atheroma-like neointima induced by a peri-arterial collar in rabbits. 2. Peri-arterial collars were placed on both common carotid arteries allowing local treatment of the collared region with either CNP (10 μmol/L) or saline. After 7 days, uncollared (control) and collared sections were taken from both arteries for pharmacological and morphological analysis. 3. Application of the collar markedly attenuated (P < 0.05) endothelium- dependent vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACh); inhibition of 5- hydroxytryptamine contraction was 80 ± 5% in cont..