Objectives
The major objectives of this research were to determine:
- If SDG lowers blood pressure and if this effect of SDG is dose-dependent
- The mechanism of lowering of the blood pressure.
- If SDG prevents the development of high blood pressure in the rats genetically prone to develop high blood pressure.
These studies were conducted in animals.
Project Description
The studies were conducted in Sprague Dawley and WKY rats (normotensive rats); spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that develops hypertension (hypertensives) and rabbits.
SDG produced a dose-dependent decrease in the blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive rats when given intravenously. The decreases in the blood pressure were greater in hypertensive than in normotensive rats with similar doses of SDG. The results suggest that hypertensive rats are more sensitive to the effect of SDG than the normotensive rats. Acute effects of SDG given orally were very minimal. However, chronic use of SDG reduced blood pressure. The effect of oral dose was smaller than that of intravenous dose.
The studies indicate that the decrease in the blood pressure by SDG is not mediated through stimulation of parasympathetic system which releases acetylcholine and produces a decrease in the blood pressure. The decrease in the blood pressure is also not due to the sympatholytic activity. Blood pressure is maintained by regular release of norepinephrine (a chemical) from sympathetic nerve endings. The drugs which block the effects of norepinephrine is called sympatholytic. The decrease in blood pressure with SDG is partly mediated through histamine (a chemical released in the body), guanylate cyclase (formed in the inner lining of the blood vessels), and through blockade of the effects of angiotensin II (a chemical in the blood which raises blood pressure).
SDG did not affect the contractility of isolated rabbit heart and also did not relax the isolated vessels of rabbit.
It is concluded that SDG produces a decrease in the blood pressure which is dose-dependent. The decrease in the blood pressure is greater when given intravenously than when given orally.
To sustain increased flax production over long term, it is vital to develop markets. SDG is isolated from flaxseed. The value of the crop would increase if the usefulness of SDG is established. The results suggest that SDG is effective in lowering blood pressure. The demand for SDG will increase considering the enormous number of people in the society who suffer from hypertension and are prone to hypertension.
