Failure of antioxidants to protect against angiotensin II-induced aortic rupture in aged apolipoprotein(E)-deficient mice

Abstract

Background and purpose: Oxidative stress may be involved in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Previous studies indicate that antioxidants protect against AAA formation during chronic angiotensin (Ang) II infusion in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE 0) mice. We here examine if these protective effects also occurred in aged ApoE 0 mice. Experimental approach: Male ApoE 0 mice (50-60 weeks) were randomly divided into 4 groups: saline, Ang II (1000 ng kg -1 min -1 for 4 weeks), Ang II plus antioxidants (0.1% vitamin E in food plus 0.1% vitamin C in drinking water), and Ang II plus losartan (30 mg kg -1 day -1). Key results: Exogenous Ang II increased systolic blood pressure b..