The influence of silica nanoparticles on small mesenteric arterial function

To determine the influence of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on small arterial function; both and . Mono-dispersed dye-encapsulated SiNPs (97.85 ± 2.26 nm) were fabricated and vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses of mesenteric arteries assessed. We show that while exposure to SiNPs under static conditions, attenuated endothelial dependent dilator responses , attenuation was only evident at lower agonist concentrations, when exposed under flow conditions or after intravenous administration . Pharmacological inhibition studies suggest that SiNPs may interfere with the endothelial dependent hyperpolarizing factor vasodilator pathway. The dosage dependent influence of SiNPs on arterial function will help identify strategies for their safe clinical administration. A schematic illustration summarizing the effect of silica nanoparticles on the vasodilator function of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells of the mesenteric artery and the potential associated mechanisms involved in mediating their behavior .