Late dual endothelin receptor blockade with bosentan restores impaired cerebrovascular function in diabetes

AbstractAimsUp-regulation of the endothelin (ET) system in type-2 diabetes increases contraction and decreases relaxation in basilar artery. We showed that 1) ET-receptor antagonism prevents diabetes-mediated cerebrovascular dysfunction; and 2) glycemic control prevents activation of the ET-system in diabetes. Here, our goal is to determine whether and to what extent glycemic control or ET-receptor antagonism reverses established cerebrovascular dysfunction in diabetes.Main methodsNon-obese type-2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki rats were administered either vehicle, metformin (300mg/kg/day) or dual ET-receptor antagonist bosentan (100mg/kg) for 4-weeks starting at 18-weeks after established cerebrovascular dysfunction (n=5–6/group). Control group included vehicle-treated aged-matched Wistar rats. Blood glucose and pressure were monitored weekly. At termination, basilar arteries were collected and cumulative dose–response curves to ET-1 (0.1–500nM), 5-HT (1–1000nM) and acetylcholine (Ach, 0.1nM–5μM) were studied by wire myograph. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) myogenic reactivity and tone were measured using pressurized arteriograph.Key findingsThere was no difference in ET-1 and 5-HT-mediated constrictions. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was impaired in diabetes. Bosentan improved sensitivity to Ach as well as the maximum relaxation. Myogenic-tone is decreased over the course of the disease. Both treatments improved the ability of MCAs to develop tone at 80mmHg and only bosentan improved the tone at higher pressures.SignificanceThese results suggest that contractile response is not affected by glycemic control or ET-receptor antagonism. Meanwhile, dual ET-receptor blockade is effective in partially improving endothelium-dependent relaxation and myogenic response in a blood pressure-independent manner even after established cerebrovascular dysfunction and offers therapeutic potential