Application of transcutaneous carbon dioxide improves capillary regression of skeletal muscle in hyperglycemia

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of transcutaneous CO 2 application on the blood flow and capillary architecture of the soleus muscle in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, control + CO 2 -treated, STZ-induced hyperglycemia, and STZ-induced hyperglycemia + CO 2 -treated groups. Blood flow in soleus muscle increased during the transcutaneous CO 2 exposure, and continued to increase for 30 min after the treatment. In addition, the transcutaneous CO 2 attenuated a decrease in capillary and the expression level of eNOS and VEGF protein, and an increase in the expression level of MDM-2 and TSP-1 protein of soleus muscle due to STZ-induced hyperglycemia. These results indicate that the application of transcutaneous CO 2 could improve capillary regression via the change of pro- and anti-angiogenesis factors, which might be induced by an increase in blood flow.