Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-11-2019

Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may lower cardiovascular disease risk by reducing blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that fat-1 transgenic mice, which convert n-6 PUFAs to n-3 PUFAs, would have improved vascular function in BP regulation and following secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, compared to wild type (WT) mice.

BP was recorded in mice fed an n-6 PUFA, or standard chow diet. On the n-6 PUFA diet fat-1 mice had a lower mean arterial pressure and a greater decrease in diastolic BP when treated with an ACE inhibitor, compared to WT mice. No differences were observed on the chow diet. Next, fat-1 mice on the n-6 PUFA or chow diet were exposed to SHS. SHS enhanced vasoconstriction on the n-6 PUFA diet, but not on chow, but did not affect vasorelaxation.

These data suggest n-3 PUFAs have a protective role in basal BP regulation and SHS-induced vascular dysfunction.

Keywords

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid, n-3 PUFA, Secondhand Smoke, Vascular Dysfunction, Blood Pressure, Fat-1

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Mary K. Walker

Second Committee Member

Matthew J. Campen

Third Committee Member

Dawn A. Delfin

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