Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Nerves on Blood Pressure and Blood Content of Neuropeptide CGRP and Nitric Oxide in Hypertensive Rats with Metabolic Disturbances

The development of arterial hypertension in male Wistar rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome (12.5% of fructose solution as the only drinking source for 10 weeks) along with impaired glucose tolerance and increased serum concentration of triglycerides and LPO products caused a decrease in the content of serum blood calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (1 mA, 2 Hz, 10 min daily for 2 weeks) performed in 8 weeks after the beginning of fructose treatment reduced systolic BP and serum concentration of triglycerides and LPO produces and improved glucose tolerance. After stimulation, CGRP content in rats maintained on fructose diet returned to normal values and the content of nitric oxide metabolites increased. We hypothesize that CGRP and nitric oxide are involved in mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on arterial hypertension developing in metabolic syndrome.