The protective effect of valsartan on cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes rats / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the alteration of the nitric oxide (NO), the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA at different stages of the cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes rats, and the protective effects of valsartan. Methods Type 2 diabetes model was established by high-energy diet, lower dose of STZ treated SD rat. The treatment period of valsartan was 8 weeks. At 12th and 20th weekend after injection of STZ, cardiac function, heart weight index, concentrations of NO in myocardium and plasma, expressions of iNOSmRNA and eNOSmRNA were measured respectively.Results From 12th week to 20th weekend, the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function was decreased and the heart weight index was increased in diabetes control group (DC group) compared with normal control group (NC group). The levels of the cardic tissue and plasma NO were higher at 12th weekend and lower at 20th weekend in DC group than that in NC group. The expression of iNOSmRNA in cardiac tissue was obviously up-regulated at 12th or 20th weekend while the expression of eNOSmRNA was down-regulated at 20th weekend in diabetes rats. All these abnormalities were partially attenuated by valsartan. Conclusion The abnormal change of the NO and expression of NOSmRNA might be related to the cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes. Valsartan might play a protective role in the myocardial disease.