Observation of rabbit nitric oxide and its synthase in different phases of atherosclerosis

  Objective   To observe the changes of nitric ox ide(NO)and its synthase in the pathogenesis of atherosclero sis.

  Methods   36 male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into control group and model group(fed with 1% cholesterol and 2% pig oil)at random.At the time of 8, 16, 24 weeks, serum lipid concentrations Nitric ox ide synthase(NOS)activity, NO production and blood superox ide dismutase(SOD)activity were detected, and pathologic changes were observed.

  Results   Compared with control group, serum TC, LDLC concentrations, aortic NOS activity and NO production in model group in creased(P < 0.01), but SOD activity decreased markedly(P < 0.01).In model groups, TC, LDLC concentrations increased, SOD activity decreased gradually with the progress of experiment(P < 0.05), NOS activity and NO production reached the peak at 16 weeks.

  Conclusion   With the progress of atherosclerosis, NOS activity and NO production were enhanced, and they reached the peak at the phase of fiberous plaque.