title: Long-term antihypertensive effects of far-infrared ray irradiated from wooden board in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Far-infrared ray (FIR) has been widely used in promoting health and has been shown to exert beneficial effects in vascular function. The non-thermal effect of FIR has been found to play a significant role in the protective effect on some vascular-related diseases, but its protective effects and use against hypertension have not been clearly presented.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, by using a wooden board coated with FIR-irradiated materials, we evaluated the long-term antihypertensive effect on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) in the environment in contact with the FIR-irradiated wooden board. SHRs were placed on the wooden board with or without FIR radiation for 4 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The systolic blood pressure (BP) of SHRs undergoing different treatments was measured weekly using a tail-cuff method. FIR radiation significantly reduced the systolic BP of the SHRs along with a decreasing plasma level of angiotensin II and an increasing plasma level of bradykinin. In addition, long-term contact of FIR did not significantly affect the BP in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results provided the evidence based on which FIR radiation could be considered an effective non-pharmacological choice for preventing hypertension.
authors: Center for General Education, National Formosa University, Yunlin, 632, Taiwan.|Department of Wood Based Materials and Design, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, 600, Taiwan.
authors: Chien-Tsong
authors: CT
authors: Lin
authors: Department of physical Education, Health and Recreation, National Chiayi University, Minsyong, Chiayi County, 621, Taiwan.
authors: Ming-Ju
authors: MJ
authors: Lin
authors: Department of Wood Based Materials and Design, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, 600, Taiwan.
authors: Yung-Pin
authors: YP
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Kaohsiung Medical Cente, Kaohsiung, 833, Taiwan.
authors: Ko-Chao
authors: KC
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, 613, Taiwan.
authors: Kuo-Chin
authors: KC
authors: Huang
authors: Department of Medical Research and Development, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, No. 6, West Sec., Jiapu Rd., Puzi City, Chiayi County, 613, Taiwan, ROC. sfchang@cgmh.org.tw.
authors: Shun-Fu
authors: SF
authors: Chang
authors: Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, 600, Taiwan. cnchen@mail.ncyu.edu.tw.
authors: Cheng-Nan
authors: CN
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006973:Hypertension / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY; D014934:Wood