Studies on the mechanisms by which docosahexaenoic acid strongly inhibits chemical spasmogen–induced cerebral artery contractions

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17666
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Toho University
• Principal Investigator: Yosioka Kento 東邦大学, 薬学部, 講師 (50758232)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ドコサヘキサエン酸 / 脳底動脈 / プロスタノイドTP受容体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, we examined the cerebrovascular-specific smooth-muscle relaxing effects of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and obtained three novel findings. 1) DHA inhibited TP receptor-mediated contractions in pig coronary and basilar arteries. These effects can be explained by the competitive binding of DHA to TP receptors. 2) In the basilar artery, DHA’s effects could be partly attributed to K+ channel stimulation, which may be one mechanism by which DHA inhibits endothelin-1-induced contractions in basilar arteries. 3) DHA inhibited the store-operated calcium channel (SOCC). The inhibitory effect of DHA on SOCC was not specific to the basilar artery as it was also observed in gastric fundus smooth muscle and cultured kidney cells .

Free Research Field

薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

DHAは魚油に豊富に含有される脂肪酸の一種であり、循環器系疾患に対する予防効果が数多く報告されている。今回のブタ脳底動脈を用いた検討によって、DHAが複数の機序で脳底動脈の過剰な収縮を抑制出来る可能性を示した。脳血管の異常収縮を伴う疾患に対し、DHAの摂取が広く予防効果を発揮する可能性を提示することができた。また、DHAの新たな標的としてSOCCを見出した。