Liraglutide improvement of chemoreflex function in ovariectomized female rats is associated with reduction in oxidative stress

The higher incidence of arterial hypertension (AH) in postmenopausal women is an aggravating factor for the emergence of other cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Although hormone replacement therapies demonstrate a protective effect, the choice of this treatment remains controversial. In this sense, non-hormonal therapies prove to be a relevant strategy. Liraglutide (Lira), a GLP-1 receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide 1), showed cardiac protective effects that were associated with inhibition of oxidative stress (OS). The strong relationship between adjustments mediated by peripheral chemoreceptors and AH is well known. But it is still not well understood whether Lira has any effect on this important mechanism of regulation of cardiorespiratory function, including in the context of female sex hormone deprivation.