EFFECTS OF SUBACUTE TRIBUTYLTIN ADMINISTRATION ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OF WISTAR RATS

Tributyltin chloride (TBT) is widely used in agricultural fungicides, biocides as well as in antifouling paints on marine vessels leading to environmental pollution. TBT exposure has been associated with many different toxicologic effects. TBT presents cytotoxic and hepatotoxic actions, promoting changes in lipid metabolism, cholesterol homeostasis and circadian rhythms. In female rats, TBT has been shown to promote ovarian dysfunction and a reduction in estrogen levels. Estrogen has cardioprotective function, causing endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilation of coronary arteries isolated. Also, the administration of TBT to rats induces vascular dysfunction due to oxidative stress and morphological damage as well as decreased eNOS expression enhancing cardiovascular risk factor.