title: Isolation and characterization of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing compounds from grape seeds.
abstract: Previous work has shown that red wines, grape juices, and other grape products cause endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) of blood vessels in vitro by increasing nitric oxide production. In this paper we describe the isolation and characterization of some of the compounds responsible for EDR activity. Concord grape seeds were extracted with methanol and the compounds were separated by Toyopearl TSK HW-40S chromatography. Resulting fractions (primarily phenolic acids, catechins, and proanthocyanidins) were further separated semipreparatively by reversed-phase HPLC, and peaks were collected and bioassayed for EDR activity using the rat aorta preparation. EDR-active compounds were subsequently characterized by HPLC retention times and electrospray-ion-trap mass spectrometry. The compounds exhibiting the most EDR activity were proanthocyanidin trimers, tetramers, pentamers, and polymers and their gallates, as well as a dimer gallate (EC50 values in the range of 0.6-2.5 microg catechin equivalents/mL). These compounds should be useful for in vitro and in vivo studies, particularly as they relate to improvement of cardiovascular function.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, MDC Box 9, and Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612-4799, USA. dfitzpatrick@hsc.usf.edu
authors: D F
authors: DF
authors: Fitzpatrick
authors: R C
authors: RC
authors: Fleming
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Bing
authors: D A
authors: DA
authors: Maggi
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: O'Malley
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D014664:Vasodilation; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide