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Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with impaired vascular endothelial and smooth muscle function and hypertension in young rats
Author(s) -
Tare Marianne,
Emmett Sarah J.,
Coleman Harold A.,
Skordilis Con,
Eyles Darryl W.,
Morley Ruth,
Parkington Helena C.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.214726
Subject(s) - offspring , nitric oxide , medicine , endocrinology , disease , pregnancy , endothelial dysfunction , blood pressure , physiology , cardiology , biology , genetics
Non‐Technical Summary Adverse environments during early life are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is an alarming increase in the prevalence of vitamin D (VitD) deficiency in women of reproductive age. We show that male and female rat offspring that were exposed to VitD deficiency in the womb and early life have high blood pressure. The arteries from VitD deficient offspring have an impaired ability to relax due to deficiencies in the production of two important factors, nitric oxide and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor. VitD deficient female offspring have an additional impairment in the nitric oxide signalling pathway in the arterial muscle. The findings of this study are particularly relevant for women intending to become pregnant. Ensuring VitD sufficiency before and during pregnancy in women will reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease risk in their offspring.