Endothelium-Dependent Inhibition of the Contractile Response Is Decreased in Aorta from Aged and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Results indicate that hypertension and aging decrease the negative modulator role of endothelium, in 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction in aorta from WKY and SHR. Data also point out that endothelial dysfunction involves an increased formation of vasoconstrictor prostanoids, which counteract nitric oxide effects. In addition, SHR endothelium releases contractile prostanoids at an early stage of hypertension, whereas in old SHR vascular smooth muscle also releases prostanoids, which contribute to 5-HT-induced contraction.