Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of atorvastatin on eNOS synthesis in the vital organs of aging rats and explore its
mechanism for protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.MethodsTwenty-month-old Wistar rats were given
daily atorvastatin lavage for4months. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model was established by ligating the coronary artery.
The rats were randomized into normal control group, untreated model group, medication without surgery group, and
atorvastatin-treated surgical group. The content of eNOS in the heart, liver and kidneys was detected by Western bloting, and
eNOS mRNA expression by RT-PCR. The effects of different doses of atorvastatin on eNOS expressions were also evaluated.
ResultsAtorvastatin significantly promoted eNOS synthesis in the heart, liver and kidney of the rats (P<0.05) regardless of
myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. A higher dose of atorvastatin caused a more obvious increase of eNOS protein and mRNA
expression in the vital organs of the aging rats (P<0.05). ConclusionAtorvastatin can increase eNOS synthesis in the vital
organs of aging rats, which partially explains the organ-protective effect of atorvastatin against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.