FIGURE 10.

Involvement of H₂O₂ and potassium channels in the effect of HC diet on PVAT control of vascular tone and evaluation of H₂O₂ availability. Cumulative concentration-response curves for PE in the presence of PVAT in aortas of control and HC groups previously incubated or not with (A) catalase or (E) TEA. Values represent mean ± SEM. The total number of animals required to carry out the experiments in each group (n) is presented in parentheses in the graphs. Statistical significance was determined using two-way ANOVA followed by Holm–Sidak’s post hoc test. *p < 0.05 vs. control PVAT; #p < 0.05 vs. HC PVAT; ∧p < 0.05 vs. control PVAT TEA represent the differences in the Emax and pD₂ values. Representative sections of basal H₂O₂ levels in the PVAT of (B) control and (C) HC groups exposed to DCF-DA probe. Arrows indicate the location of the endothelial layer of blood vessels. Scale bars indicate 100 μm. (D) Quantification of H₂O₂ production in the PVAT was expressed as fluorescence intensity in graphical bars with mean ± SEM. The total number of animals required to carry out the experiments in each group (n) is presented in the dispersion points in the graphs. Statistical significance was determined using Student’s t-test. *p < 0.05 vs. control.