The Involvement of L-Type Voltage-Operated Calcium Channels in the Vascular Effect of Quercetin in Male Rats

In this study, the possible involvement of L-type voltage-operated calcium channels in the vasorelaxant effect of the flavonoid quercetin was investigated, using the isolated aortic rings from normal male rats. Addition of quercetin (0.1 µM-1 mM) caused a significant dose-dependent relaxation of noradrenaline (NA)- and KCl-preconstricted rings and nifedipine attenuated this response, especially for noradrenaline (P<0.05). It is concluded that the flavonoid quercetin produces a potent relaxation of the rat aorta and blockade of voltage-operated calcium channels could attenuate this effect.