Could nitric oxide be a mediator of action of oxytocin on myocardial injury in rats? (Biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical study)

Oxytocin (OT) was revisited recently as a hormone of cardiovascular system with several new functions in cardiovascular regulation. But less is known about its role in acute myocardial injury (MI). The aim of our study was to investigate the possible protective effect of OT on the biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical changes of MI induced by isoprenaline (ISO) in adult male albino rats and studying the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in its action. Forty male albino rats were divided into 5 groups: control rats (Group I), acute MI rats (Group II), rats pretreated with OT prior to induction of MI (Group III), rats injected with a combination of OT and atosiban (ATO, OT receptor antagonist) prior to induction of MI (Group IV). In Group V, a combination of OT and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) were injected to the rats prior to induction of MI. The heart wall in all groups were taken and processed for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometrical and biochemical studies. We concluded that OT has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on MI and its effects is mediated through NO.