THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PRAZOSIN ON OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE HEART OF AGED MALE RATS

The increase in susceptibility to heart diseases in old age is related with increased oxidative stress. Considering the strong antioxidant effects of prazosin, in this study we investigated the protective effect of prazosin on oxidative stress in the heart tissue of aged rats.

In this experimental study, 18 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (6 rats in each group): 1. young (aged 3 months), 2. aged (aged 18 months), 3. aged + prazosin. Aged animals received prazosin powder (1 mg/kg, Tocris Bioscience (Ellis ville, Mo)) diluted in saline, intraperitoneally daily for 1 month. After one month, the animals were anesthetized and their hearts were excised for the measurement of oxidative stress indices.

The results of this study showed that there was increased MDA (malondialdehyde) and decreased SOD (superoxide dismutase) levels in the heart of aged rats compared to youngs. The use of prazosin caused a significant decrease in the level of MDA and a significant increase in the level of SOD in the heart of aged rats.

The use of prazosin has protective effects by reducing oxidative stress in the hearts of aged rats.