Histological effects of l-carnitine on rat aorta

摘要

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of l-carnitine on old aged rat aorta by electron microscopic and immunohistochemical techiques. Two groups of Wistar rats, 20 months old, were used: the study group and the control group. The study group received l-carnitine at a dose of 300mg/kg b.w./day intraperitoneally for 35 days. The control group received normal saline in the same way. Specimens of the aorta were prepared for electron microscopy and immunohistochemical study, using a monoclonal CD4 mouse antibody. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural morphologic changes of the aortic endothelium with oedema between the internal elastic lamina and basal lamina in both groups of animals. Additionally, there was a positive staining for CD4 glycoprotein in the endothelial layer of the aorta in both groups. Our results do not support that l-carnitine has a protective effect on the old aged rat aorta.