Background: Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemic heart diseases.
Urotensin II is the most potent vasoactive peptide discovered to date with potency
that overcomes that of angiotensin II, endothelin-1, serotonin and thromboxan A2.
Aim: This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of exogenous urotensin II in the
pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the effect of blocking the endogenous urotensin
II. Material and Methods: 32 male wistar rat were divided into 2 groups, normal
control group (8 rats) and cholesterol rich diet group (24 rats).The latter is furtherly
subdivided into vehicle, urotensin II and palosuran groups (each is 8 rats). In all
these groups lipid profile, some inflammatory and atherosclerotic markers were
measured. Histopathological examination of tissue samples from aorta and
coronaries for atheromatous changes was also done in all groups. Results: Urotensin
II produced significant hyperlipidemia, increased CRP and SVACM-1 and decreased
NO. Foam cells and VSMC proliferation were evident histopathological findings. The
effect of urotensin II was partially reversed by palosuran. Conclusion: urotensin II is
an important mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic
model. Urotensin receptor blocker may be considered as an important therapeutic
target in atherosclerosis.