docosahexaenoic acid increases SRHSP lifespan

Doug Skrecky (oberon@vcn.bc.ca)
Sat, 5 Dec 1998 17:44:48 -0800 (PST)

Authors
Minami M. Kimura S. Endo T. Hamaue N. Hirafuji M. Monma Y. Togashi H. Yoshioka M. Saito H. Watanabe S. Kobayashi T. Okuyama H. Institution
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Japan. Title
Effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on survival time and stroke-related behavior in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. Source
General Pharmacology. 29(3):401-7, 1997 Sep. Abstract

  1. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) suppressed the age-dependent increase in systolic blood pressure and prolonged the average survival time of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). 2. Dietary DHA (1% and 5% in diets) altered the circadian rhythm of SHRSP, causing significant increases in ambulatory activity during the dark period. At the onset of stroke, desynchronization with light and dark phases and new biological rhythms were noted in all of the control SHRSP (DHA 0%). DHA treated SHRSP did not show such behavioral changes. 3. These effects were accompanied by the increase of DHA and the decrease of AA levels in plasma and brain cortex. 4. It was concluded that dietary DHA suppresses the development of hypertension and stroke-related behavioral changes, resulting in prolongation of the SHRSP's life span.