Does sertralin affect contraction in the endotel damaged AORT?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) group antidepressant drugs are widely used in patients with cardiovascular disorders. However, its effects on the veins have not been investigated in an experimental study. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sertraline on aortic contraction in both healthy and damaged rat aorta. In this study we used 24 Wistar albino rats in 2 groups (n=24). Group 1; aorta- intact endothelium (n=12), group 2 aorta- damaged endothelium (n=12). The descending thoracic aorta was quickly isolated after cervical dislocation of adult Wistar albino rat. Aorta tissues were cleaned and sectioned into 3-4 mm long rings. Then the rings were placed in organ baths containing Krebs–Henseleit solution, which was thermoregulated at 370C and aerated (95 % O2 and 5% CO2). Changes in isometric tension of aorta rings were recorded using a four channel force displacement transducer. Endothelium intact rings were used in the first part of the study and mechanically damaged endothelial rings were used in the second part. Phenylephrine (PE 10-6 M) was applied and contractions were recorded in both groups. Then Sertraline (50 mg) was given cumulatively (10-9 -10-4 M) to group 1. In group 2 aorta injury was achieved by tearing the endothelium with a needle. After controlling endothelial damage by applying acetylcholine (Ach 10 -6M), all damaged strips were washed for one hour in organ baths and second dose of phenylephrine (PE 10-6 M) was administered, then Sertraline (50 mg) was given cumulatively (10-9 -10-4 M) to group 2 and contractions were recorded. After sertraline (50 mg) was given cumulatively (10-9 -10-4 M) to group 1, significant inhibition of spontaneous contractions was noticed in the first three doses of sertraline (10-9, 10-8, 10-7) (p<0.05), inhibition of contractions kept on in the rest of the sertraline doses. Sertraline 10-6 -5 -4 made also significant inhibition in contractions according to 10-9 -8 -7 doses. In group 2, inhibition of second PE contractions continued after sertraline doses, but it was less significant when compared with group 1. Sertraline was found to inhibit PE-induced smooth muscle contraction in rat isolated aorta. PE-induced smooth muscle contractions were inhibited more slowly in endothelium damaged aortic tissue. It is thought that as a result of endothelial damage, NO secretion in the aorta decreases and the vasodilation effect due to NO is also reduced. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of sertraline on the cardiovascular system.