Figure 7

Fenofibrate increases anti-oxidant capacity of the vessel wall. Concentration-effect curves to the NO-donor S-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) obtained in mesenteric bed (A) and thoracic aorta rings (B). Concentration-effect curves to SNAP obtained in aorta rings in the presence (C) of superoxide dismutase (SOD, 200 U/ml) plus catalase (750 U/ml). Results were expressed as a percent of the initial U46619-induced precontraction level. The values of contraction obtained with U46619 (0.3 μM for mesenteric bed and 30 nM for aorta) were 22.4 ± 5.6 mmHg (n = 5) and 28 ± 4.9 mmHg (n = 6) in mesenteric bed and 3.55 ± 0.15 mN/mm (n = 7) and 3,37 ± 0.2 mN/mm (n = 6) in aorta from control and fenofibrate-treated mice, respectively. Pretreatment with SOD and catalase did not affect contractile responses to U46619 (data not shown). Data are the mean ± SEM of 5–7 experiments. ^* P < 0.05, ^** P < 0.01.