possible mechanisms of elevated blood pressure in experimentally obese rats

ABSTRACT

The association between overweight and hypertension is well established, however the accurate mechanisms involved in the increase of the bl. pressure in obese persons is not well understood. So, the present study was designed in a trial to clarify the possible mechanisms of hypertension with obesity.Where 48 male, age matched rats were used. They were divided into 2 equal groups. Control group fed usual rat diet and obese group fed experimental diet enriched with glucose and fat for 6 weeks. Every 2 weeks from the start of diet regimen, 8 animals from each group undergone the following; measurement of blood pressure [bl. pr.], electrocardiogram [ECG] recording then glucose, insulin, catecholamines and lipid profile assay. The glucose, insulin, catecholamines levels were increased significantly in obese rats in comparison with that in the control rats. Moreover, the H.R and free fatty acids were increased significantly in obese rats when compared with that of control rats. These may be the causes for the recorded elevation in bl. pr. in obese rats in comparison with the control rats. In conclusion, food restriction and reduction of body weight are important non pharmacological methods in treating hypertension