Changes in arterial blood pressure after single oral administration of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) muscle derived peptides in spontaneously hypertensive rats

In this study we evaluated the short-term oral antihypertensive effect of several peptide sequences isolated from cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) muscle proteins hydrolysates, previously characterized as in vitro angiotensin-I-converting enzyme-inhibitors, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the rats were measured by the tail cuff method before administration and also 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h post-administration. The peptide sequences Val-Tyr-Ala-Pro, Val-Ile-Ile-Phe and Ala-His-Ser-Tyr showed a clear decrease in SBP and DBP in SHR. Met-Ala-Trp caused a significant decrease of the SBP in the SHR, but this sequence caused a slight decrease in DBP in these animals. SBP and DBP returned to baseline values 24 h post-administration of all peptides. Thus, these peptides are bioactive ingredients with potential benefit in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

► The short-term effect of peptides on the arterial blood pressure was demonstrated.
► All peptide sequences showed a clear decrease in SBP and DBP in SHR.
► Val-Tyr-Ala-Pro effectively decreased arterial blood pressure in SHR.
► Met-Ala-Trp caused a significant decrease of the SBP in the SHR.
► These peptides are a potential benefit in the prevention of hypertension.