The Vasorelaxant Effect ofp-Cymene in Rat Aorta Involves Potassium Channels

Abstract

The monoterpenes are the main constituents of most essential oils andp-cymene is a monoterpene commonly found in various species of aromatic herbs, which has been reported for anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antimicrobial activities. However, there is no report concerning its pharmacological activity on the vascular smooth muscle. The aim of current work was to investigate the effects ofp-cymene in isolated rat aorta and also study its mechanism of action. In this work, we show thatp-cymene has a relaxant effect, in a dose-dependent way, on the vascular smooth muscle, regardless of the presence of the endothelium. Using a nonselective potassium channel blocker, the CsCl, the relaxant effect ofp-cymene was attenuated. In the presence of more selective potassium channels blockers, such as TEA or 4-AP, no change in the relaxant effect ofp-cymene was evidenced, indicating thatBKCaandKVchannels are not involved in that relaxant effect. However, in the presence of glibenclamide or BaCl2,KATPandKirblockers, respectively, the relaxant effect ofp-cymene was attenuated. The data presented indicate thatp-cymene has a relaxing effect on rat aorta, regardless of the endothelium, but with the participation of theKATPandKirchannels.