Effects of Biological Sex and Oral Contraceptive Pill Use on Cutaneous Microvascular Endothelial Function and Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation in Humans

Casey G Turner; Anna E Stanhewicz; Karen E Nielsen; Jeffrey S Otis; Rafaela G Feresin; Brett J Wong

doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00586.2022

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Effects of Biological Sex and Oral Contraceptive Pill Use on Cutaneous Microvascular Endothelial Function and Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation in Humans

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Effects of Biological Sex and Oral Contraceptive Pill Use on Cutaneous Microvascular Endothelial Function and Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation in Humans

Casey G Turner, Anna E Stanhewicz, Karen E Nielsen, Jeffrey S Otis, Rafaela G Feresin and Brett J Wong

Journal of applied physiology, Vol.134(4), pp.858-867

04/2023

DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00586.2022

PMCID: PMC10042598

PMID: 36861674

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation between women in either menstrual or placebo pill phases of their respective hormonal exposure [either naturally cycling (NC) or using oral contraceptive pills (OCP)] and men. A planned subgroup analysis was then completed to assess endothelial function and NO-dependent vasodilation between NC women, women using OCP, and men. Endothelium-dependent and NO-dependent vasodilation were assessed in the cutaneous microvasculature using laser-Doppler flowmetry, a rapid local heating protocol (39°C, 0.1°C/s), and pharmacological perfusion through intradermal microdialysis fibers. Data are mean ± standard deviation. Men displayed greater endothelium-dependent vasodilation (plateau, men: 71 ± 16 vs. women 52 ± 20 %CVC , p< 0.01), but lower NO-dependent vasodilation (men: 52 ± 11 vs. women 63 ± 17 %NO, p = 0.05), compared with all women. Subgroup analysis revealed NC women had lower endothelium-dependent vasodilation (plateau, NC women: 48 ± 21 %CVC , p = 0.01), but similar NO-dependent vasodilation (NC women: 52 ± 14 %NO, p > 0.99), compared with men. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation did not differ between women using OCP and men (p = 0.12) or NC women (p = 0.64), but NO-dependent vasodilation was significantly greater in women using OCP (74 ± 11 %NO) than both NC women and men (p < 0.01 for both). This study highlights the importance of directly quantifying NO-dependent vasodilation in cutaneous microvascular studies. This study also provides important implications for experimental design and data interpretation.

endothelium

nitric oxide

microdialysis

women

Details

Title: Subtitle: Effects of Biological Sex and Oral Contraceptive Pill Use on Cutaneous Microvascular Endothelial Function and Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation in Humans
Creators: Casey G Turner - Georgia State University
Anna E Stanhewicz - University of Iowa
Karen E Nielsen - Georgia State University
Jeffrey S Otis - Georgia State University
Rafaela G Feresin - Georgia State University
Brett J Wong - Georgia State University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of applied physiology, Vol.134(4), pp.858-867
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00586.2022
PMID: 36861674
PMCID: PMC10042598
NLM abbreviation: J Appl Physiol (1985)
ISSN: 8750-7587
eISSN: 1522-1601
Grant note: R01HL141205 / HHS | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 03/02/2023
Date published: 04/2023
Academic Unit: Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology ; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984375455002771

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