We previously reported that the rise of lipoperoxide in serum was shown in cholesterol fed rabbits by low oxygen treatment. From these results, the generation of lipoperoxide in vessel wall under hypoxic condition was speculated.
Present study was designed to demonstrate this possiblity by using the cultured aortic smooth muscle cell.
Lipoperoxide in cultured smooth muscle cell under the condition of hypoxia (2% O2). was measured, compared with those under control condition (20% O2) Results obtained were as follows:
1) The levels of lipoperoxide (MDA) in aortic smooth muscle cells under hypoxic condition were significantly higher than those under control.
2) There were no differences in the levels of MDA in medium between hypoxic and control condition.
3) Even though by using the culture medium without calf serum, the levels of MDA in cells under hypoxia were elevated, compared with those under control.
4) The Addition of α-tocopherol to the culture medium inhibited the rise of MDA.
From these results, it is postrurated that under the hypoxic condition, the intracellular lipoperoxide is increased and may be associated with atherosclerosis.
