Antihypertensive Effect of Lactoferrin on Dexamethasone-Induced Hypertension in Rat



Safaeian L¹ ; Zabolian H²
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: Dexamethasone-induced hypertension is one of the animal models of hypertension. Lactoferrin is a natural iron-binding protein with proposed antihypertensive effects. In this study, the effect of chronic use of lactoferrin was investigated on dexamethasone-induced hypertension in rat and compared with captopril. Methods: In this experimental study, hypertension was induced by subcutaneously injection of dexamethasone (30 μg/kg/day) for 15 days in Wistar rat. Lactoferrin (300 mg/kg) and captopril (40 mg/kg) were orally given from the day 8 to 15. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail cuff. Body weight was measured during experiment and thymus weight was detected as a marker of glucocorticoid activity at the end of study. Findings: Administration of dexamethasone increased systolic blood pressure (115.6 + 3.3 to 150.1 + 7.4 mmHg) and decreased body and thymus weight (P < 0.05). Chronic administration of lactoferrin and captopril for one week decreased systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01 for both). Lactoferrin also prevented body weight loss. Conclusion: The results indicated antihypertensive effect of lactoferrin on dexamethasone-induced hypertension. Further studies are suggested for finding the mechanism of lactoferrin in this model of hypertension.