Altered sensitivity to nitric oxide donors, induced by intravascular infusion of quantum dots, in murine mesenteric arteries

作者：Shukur Ali; Rizvi Sarwat B; Whitehead Debra; Seifalian Alexander; Azzawi May^*

来源：Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine , 2013, 9(4): 532-539.

DOI：10.1016/j.nano.2012.10.004

• Quantum dots
• Vasodilation
• Artery

Quantum dots (QDs) are utilised in imaging diagnostics, tissue engineering and medical therapeutics, however, their influence on vascular function is not ascertained. Here, we examined small mesenteric arterial responses after acute intravascular exposure to QDs. Incubation in mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA)-coated QDs (at 15 mu g/mL) had no influence on endothelial-dependent dilator responses (Acetylcholine; Ach) but led to an attenuated relaxation to the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Conversely, incubation in POSS-PCU coated QDs (at 15 mu g/mL) led to attenuated Ach responses (10(11)-10(-3) M; n=5, P<0.05), but had no influence on SNP-induced relaxation. At lower concentrations of POSS-PCU coated QDs (5 mu g/mL), Ach responses were preserved. We demonstrate that acute exposure to QDs, can attenuate vasodilation but not vasoconstriction, and is dependent on their surface coatings. Our findings have implications in QD use for imaging diagnostics in disease states, where SNP based drugs are used in therapeutic intervention.

• 出版日期2013-5