Aim: To determine the influence of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on small arterial function; both ex vivo and in vivo.
Methods: Mono-dispersed dye-encapsulated SiNPs (97.85 ± 2.26 nm) were fabricated and vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses of mesenteric arteries assessed.
Results: We show that while exposure to SiNPs under static conditions, attenuated endothelial dependent dilator responses ex vivo, attenuation was only evident at lower agonist concentrations, when exposed under flow conditions or after intravenous administration in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition studies suggest that SiNPs may interfere with the endothelial dependent hyperpolarizing factor vasodilator pathway.
Conclusion: The dosage dependent influence of SiNPs on arterial function will help identify strategies for their safe clinical administration.
Keywords: EDHF; mesenteric artery; nanomedicine; silica nanoparticles; vasoconstriction; vasodilation.