Figure 6.
Effect of pre-incubation for 20 min with 10−4 M CSE (A), theobromine (B), caffeine (C), and protocatechuic acid (D) on ACh relaxations in iliac arteries from aged male rats. Data show ACh concentration–response curves before and after pre-incubation with the compounds. Relaxation responses were expressed as percentages of maximal contraction with NA (10−7 M or 10−6 M in caffeine-preincubated segments). Data represent the mean ± SEM; n indicates the number of segments from 3–4 different rats per group. Statistical analysis was performed by 2-way-ANOVA, considering concentration and components (ACh or ACh +CSE/+TH/+CAF/+PCA) as factors. The p-value was extracted of the interaction term of the ANOVA; ACh, Acetylcholine; CSE, cocoa shell extract; TH, theobromine; CAF, caffeine; PCA, protocatechuic acid.