Ghrelin Inhibits Vascular Superoxide Production in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background:Ghrelin is a novel peptide involved in the control of appetite, but its role in vascular pathologies remains to be elucidated. Ghrelin was shown to decrease blood pressure (BP) and improve endothelial function. Its plasma levels are correlated with BP in humans. Mechanisms of these effects are unknown. Because oxidative stress and increased superoxide production by NAD(P)H oxidases (Nox) are critical in the pathogenesis of...