In vitro Treatment with cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy-)2(Cl)(NO)] Improves the Endothelial Function in Aortic Rings with Endothelial Dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose: The ruthenium complex cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy^-)₂(Cl)(NO)] (DCBPY) is a nitric oxide (NO) donor and  studies suggested that the ruthenium compounds can inactivate O₂^-_. The aim of this study is to test if DCBPY can revert and/or prevent the endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) wistar rats were used. To vascular reactivity study, thoracic aortas were isolated, rings with intact endothelium were incubated with: DCBPY: 0.1; 1 and 10μM, DCBPY plus hydroxocobalin (NO scavenger) or tempol during 30 minutes, and concentration effect curves to acetylcholine were performed. The potency values (pD2) and maximum effect (ME) were analyzed. The O₂^- was generated using hypoxantine xantine oxidase and the reduction of cytochrome c, NO consumption by O₂^- and the effect in avoid NO consumption was measured. Results: In 2K-1C DCBPY at 0.1; 1 or 10μM improved the relaxation endothelium dependent induced by acetylcholine in aortic rings compared to control 2K-1C, and also improved ME. In rings from 2K incubation with DCBPY (0.1; 1.0 and 10 μM) did not change pD2 or ME. Incubation with 0.1 μM of DCBPY plus hydroxocobalamin did not modify the potency and ME in 2K-1C compared to DCBPY (0.1 μM). DCBPY and SOD inhibits the reduction of cytochrome c and inhibited the NO consumption by O₂^-, showing that O₂^- has been removed from the solution. Conclusion: Our results suggest that DCBPY at a lower concentration (0.1 µM) is not an NO generator, but can inactivate superoxide and improves the endothelial function.

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.