Morinda lucida extract induces endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of rat aorta.
The effect of an aqueous extract of Morinda lucida (ML) on vascular tone was tested using rat aortic rings precontracted with noradrenaline (10(-7) mol/l). Relaxation responses were determined with endothelium-intact, L-NAME-treated, methylene blue-treated and endothelium-denuded tissues. In the concentration range of 0.25-9.0 mg/ml, ML elicited vasorelaxation in noradrenaline-precontracted rings. This relaxation response was partially attenuated by removal of the endothelium, and completely inhibited by pretreatment of rings with L-NAME and methylene blue. Thus, ML-induced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle occurs via endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the former of which involves the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway.
Ettarh
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Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, PMB 12003 Lagos, Nigeria. ettarh@yahoo.com
Emeka
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D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D032066:Morinda; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018515:Plant Leaves; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010936:Plant Extracts; D014665:Vasodilator Agents