Resveratrol inhibits neointimal formation after arterial injury through an endothelial nitric oxide synthase-dependent mechanism

Abstract Revascularization procedures used for treatment of atherosclerosis often result in restenosis. Resveratrol (RSV), an antioxidant with cardiovascular benefits, decreases neointimal formation after arterial injury by a mechanism that is still not fully clarified. Our main objective was to address the role of nitric oxide synthases (NOSes) and more specifically the endothelial-NOS (eNOS) isoform as a mediator of this effect. RSV (4mg/kg/day, s.c.) alone or in combination with the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (2mg/kg/day, s.c.) was given to Sprague-Dawley rats beginning at 3 days before arterial (carotid or aortic) injury. RSV reduced neointimal formation by 50% ( P P