The 5-series F(2)-isoprostanes possess no vasomotor effects in the rat thoracic aorta, the human internal mammary artery and the human saphenous vein.

1. Among the F(2)-isoprostanes, the 15- and the 5-series are currently used as markers of lipid peroxidation in vascular diseases. 15-F(2t)-IsoP (also named iPF(2 alpha)-III) exerts a vasoconstriction in most vessels, whereas no data is available concerning 5-F(2t)-IsoP (also named iPF(2 alpha)-VI), which is more abundant in plasma. 2. The aim of this study was to determine whether 5-F(2t)-IsoP possess any vascular effects on various vessels including the isolated rat thoracic aorta, the human internal mammary artery and the saphenous vein. 3. In organ baths, 5-F(2t)-IsoP and its 5-epimer did not affect the basal tone of any vessel, unlike 15-F(2t)-IsoP. These compounds possessed no antagonist effects on 15-F(2t)-IsoP-induced contractions, No dilator effect was observed in comparison with sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine on the rat aorta. 4. In conclusion, we show that unlike 15-F(2t)-IsoP, 5-F(2t)-IsoP and its 5-epimer possess no vasomotor effects and as such are unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Further studies are required to test whether these mediators may have effects on systems not being measured in the current study.