Drospirenone Potentiates the Endothelium Dependent Vasodilation in Coronary Bed of Hypertensive Ovariectomized Rats

This study investigated the effects of combined therapy with E2 and drospirenone (DRSP) on the endothelium‐dependent vasodilation of the coronary bed of ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats. Animals were randomly divided into Sham operated (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized treated with E2 (E2) and ovariectomized treated with E2 and DRSP (DRSP) groups. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated by cannulation of the femoral artery. Coronary endothelium‐dependent vasodilation was assessed using isolated hearts. Protein expression of eNOS and estrogen receptor alpha (ER‐α) were assessed by Western blotting. Morphometric parameters were analyzed by histology, and oxidative stress was assessed in situ by dihydroethidium fluorescence. Ovariectomy enhanced systolic blood pressure, which was prevented only by the DRSP treatment. OVX causes endothelial dysfunction, an effect prevented by both treatments; however, the vasodilator response in the DRSP group was potentiated at the three highest concentrations compared to the OVX group. ER‐α expression decreased in OVX rats and was restored by the treatments. Morphometric parameters and oxidative stress were augmented by OVX and reduced by both the E2 and DRSP treatments. Hormonal therapy with E2 and DRSP can be established as an therapeutic option in the prevention of coronary artery disease in hypertensive post‐menopausal women.