Changes in histological structure and NOS expression in aorta of rats supplemented with bee pollen or whey protein

Introduction. Various protein-based supplements are at least periodically consumed by 30-40% of sportspeople. The current study compares cardiovascular effects of diet supplementation with two different protein-rich products – bee pollen and whey proteins. Material and methods. 30 Wistar rats were divided into two parts, one subjected to daily moderate physical activity and one not. Each part consisted of three groups: one control group, one whey-protein-supplemented and one bee-pollen-supplemented. After eight weeks rats were decapitated and proximal parts of thoracic aortas were collected, and embed in paraffin blocks. Histological slides were stained according to standard H&E, Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stainings. Special immunohistochemical stains against nNOS, eNOS and α-SMA were also prepared. Results. Histological evaluation has revealed noticeable changes in all supplemented groups – disturbances in elastic laminae, slight increase in collagen deposition and significantly lowered n...