Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve vascular relaxant response in a mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Introduction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with vascular inflammation, localised dilation and increased risk of aortic rupture. Impaired aortic relaxation to Ach has been reported in an angiotensin II-infused, apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/) mouse model of AAA (Seto et al., 2013). Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have BP-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, making them a potential treatment option for AAA. Aim. To investigate whether dietary supplementation of ApoE-/- mice with LC n-3 PUFAs can preserve vascular reactivity after 2-week infusion with angiotensin II. Methods. ApoE-/- mice were fed a low (n=12) or high (n=13) LC n-3 PUFA diet for 10 weeks, with infusion of saline or angiotensin II (1000 ng/kg/min) for the last 2 weeks. BP was measured using a non-invasive tail-cuff method. Wire myography was performed on isolated thoracic aorta. Results. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher in low diet/angiotensin II-infused mice (93.7±4.3 mmHg) compared to saline-infused mice (86.9±6.8 mmHg, P