The effects of celiprolol on serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive (WKY) rats

BackgroundA growing body of evidence suggests that some cardiovascular drugs could modulate the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether celiprolol, a third generation β-adrenoceptor blocker, affects lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats.MethodsCeliprolol (150 mg kg−1) or vehicle was administered by gavage once daily for 21 days. Arterial blood pressure was measured in conscious rats, using the tail-cuff method. Serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Additionally, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were evaluated.ResultsIn normotensive WKY rats celiprolol did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or the serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol. In hypertensive animals the drug decreased lipid parameters, increased diastolic and mean blood pressure after the first week of administration, and produced a small but significant decrease in heart rate after the first two weeks of the treatment. In both groups of animals, celiprolol decreased LPS-stimulated serum concentration of IL-6 but did not affect levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.ConclusionsIt is suggested that the IL-6-modulating properties of celiprolol could provide additional value to the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of hypertension.