(STIA-KF-17/24/2017) Funder: Semmelweis University Innovation Center
(K116954) Funder: NRDIO
Hungarian Hypertension Society(2015/1)
Medical Faculty, Semmelweis University(2016/8)
The vitamin-D-sensitivity of the cardiovascular system may show gender differences.
The prevalence of vitamin D (VD) deficiency (VDD) is high, and it alters cardiovascular
function and increases the risk of stroke. Our aim was to investigate the vascular
reactivity and histological changes of isolated carotid artery of female and male
rats in response to different VD supplies. A total of 48 male and female Wistar rats
were divided into four groups: female VD supplemented, female VDD, male VD supplemented,
male VDD. The vascular function of isolated carotid artery segments was examined by
wire myography. Both vitamin D deficiency and male gender resulted in increased phenylephrine-induced
contraction. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation decreased in male rats independently
from VD status. Inhibition of prostanoid signaling by indomethacin reduced contraction
in females, but increased relaxation ability in male rats. Functional changes were
accompanied by VDD and gender-specific histological alterations. Elastic fiber density
was significantly decreased by VDD in female rats, but not in males. Smooth muscle
actin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels were significantly lowered, but
the thromboxane receptor was elevated in VDD males. Decreased nitrative stress was
detected in both male groups independently from VD supply. The observed interactions
between vitamin D deficiency and sex may play a role in the gender difference of cardiovascular
risk.
