Novel Oxime Synthesized from a Natural Product of Senecio nutans SCh. Bip. (Asteraceae) Enhances Vascular Relaxation in Rats by an Endothelium-Independent Mechanism

Senecio nutans Sch. Bip. and its constituents are reported to have antihypertensive effects. We isolated metabolite–1, a natural compound from S. nutans (4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenone), and synthesized novel oxime – 1 (4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenoxime) to evaluate their effect on vascular reactivity. Compounds were purified (metabolite–1) or synthetized (oxime–1) and characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy and Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC). Using pharmacological agents such as phenylephrine (PE) and KCl (enhancing contraction), acetylcholine (ACh), L-NAME (nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial function), Bay K8644-induced CaV1.2 channel (calcium channel modulator), and isolated aortic rings in an organ bath setup, the possible mechanisms of vascular action were determined. Pre-incubation of aortic rings with 10−5 M oxime–1 significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the contractile response to 30 mM KCl. EC50 to KCl significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the presence of oxime–1 (37.72 ± 2.10 mM) compared to that obtained under control conditions (22.37 ± 1.40 mM). Oxime–1 significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the contractile response to different concentrations of PE (10−7 to 10−5 M) by a mechanism that decreases Cav1.2-mediated Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space and reduces Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. At a submaximal concentration (10−5 M), oxime–1 caused a significant relaxation in rat aorta even without vascular endothelium or after pre-incubate the tissue with L-NAME. Oxime–1 decreases the contractile response to PE by blunting the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and blocking of Ca2+ influx by channels. Metabolite–1 reduces the contractile response to KCl, apparently by reducing the plasma membrane depolarization and Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space. These acetophenone derivates from S. nutans (metabolite–1 and oxime–1) cause vasorelaxation through pathways involving an increase of the endothelial NO generation or a higher bioavailability, further highlighting that structural modification of naturally occurring metabolites can enhance their intended pharmacological functions.

The vascular endothelium regulates the balance between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor tone under normal physiological conditions [16]. This mechanism involves the release of nitric oxide from endothelium, leading to the activation of vascular smooth muscle guanylyl cyclase (cGMP). cGMP induces the closure of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels in plasma membranes and Ca 2+ uptake by intracellular stores [17]. The function of the vascular endothelium has clinical implications in pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity [18,19]. Regarding the antihypertensive mechanisms postulated for the drugs currently in use, more than half depend on the vascular endothelium, acting on the NO/cGMP pathway, as Ca 2+ channel blockers or potassium channel activators [20].
Although somewhat forgotten, oximes have been reported to have a vasodilator effect in the presence and absence of vascular endothelium on isolated blood vessels [21]. In recent years, oximes have gained great interest because of the ease of synthesis from carbonyl compounds, aldehydes, and ketones [22], and their enormous potential biological activity [23], especially in their roles such as being donors of nitric oxide [24], as well as potential β1 and β2 adrenergic receptor antagonists, which might be useful for the treatment of arrhythmia and pulmonary arterial hypertension [25]. In the search for new derivatives of natural products with potential cardiovascular properties, we have prepared a new oxime (not reported in the scientific literature) from the natural compound 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl) acetophenone. In this study, we have evaluated the vascular response in a rat aortic model to understand the mechanisms of vascular reactivity of both compounds-a natural product and an oxime. . This natural compound was isolated from S. nutans, identified in a previous study [8]. 4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenoxime (Oxime-1) crystallizes from dichlorom ethane as green crystals, m.p. 118-120 • C molecular weight 219, which is assignable to C 13 H 17 NO 2. The IR spectrum shows bands of low intensity between 1750-2000 cm −1 and 1350-1550 cm −1 , assignable to the presence of a benzene ring; a wide band between 3000-3500 cm −1 , associated with the presence of vibrations of a -C=N-OH group and hydroxyl group; and an intense band at 1602 cm −1 , resulting from -C=N-OH interactions of oximes. These last two sets of signals confirm the modification of the carbonyl group in the reaction. The 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra show signals assignable to 15 hydrogen atoms and 13 carbon atoms, respectively. The chemical shifts and the DEPT spectrum indicate the presence of three CH 3 , one CH 2 δ to the aromatic ring, three aromatic CHs, one olefinic CH, and 5 quaternary carbons of the sp 2 type. A methyl group is unique to the ketoxime group (CH 3 -C=N). This methyl is displaced towards the higher field at δ 2.26 ppm, with respect to the precursor metabolite-1 δ 2.60 ppm. The remaining two methyls are vinyl (Tables 1 and 2). Metabolite-1 and oxime-1 were identified by 1D and 2D NMR, DEPT, HMBC, HMQC, FT-IR, and UV spectra (Supplementary Materials, Figures S1-S13).

4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenone
A signal can be observed in the 13 C NMR spectrum that resonates at δ 155.91 ppm and corresponds to a carbon with double bond to nitrogen (C=N) characteristic of oximes; this new signal replaces the signal that resonated at δ 198 ppm (C-12) and that corresponded to the carbonyl group of metabolite-1. All the above information confirms the formation of the reaction product.
In the Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC) spectrum, the same couplings are observed as for the precursor (metabolite-1), which is reasonable as the structural modification has been made on the carbonyl group and does not affect the rest of the compound's structure. The analysis of the spectroscopic information has allowed us to establish that the compound obtained after the reaction corresponds to 4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenoxime (Oxime-1; Figure 1). The coupling patterns deduced from the HMBC spectrum are indicated in Figure 2.
A signal can be observed in the 13 C NMR spectrum that resonates at δ 155.91 ppm and corresponds to a carbon with double bond to nitrogen (C=N) characteristic of oximes; this new signal replaces the signal that resonated at δ 198 ppm (C-12) and that corresponded to the carbonyl group of metabolite-1. All the above information confirms the formation of the reaction product.
In the Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC) spectrum, the same couplings are observed as for the precursor (metabolite-1), which is reasonable as the structural modification has been made on the carbonyl group and does not affect the rest of the compound's structure. The analysis of the spectroscopic information has allowed us to establish that the compound obtained after the reaction corresponds to 4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenoxime (Oxime-1; Figure 1). The coupling patterns deduced from the HMBC spectrum are indicated in Figure 2.

Effect of Metabolite-1 and Oxime-1 on Vascular Relaxation: Role of the Endothelium
Both compounds caused vascular relaxation in PE-treated intact rat aorta: 41 ± 6% metabolite-1, 73 ± 2% oxime-1 (10 −5 M; Figures 3A and 4A). Interestingly, oxime-1 caused a higher relaxation than metabolite-1 (p < 0.001). As shown in Table 3, the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) to oxime-1 (10.14 ± 8.46 μM) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to metabolite-1 (24.44 ± 7.98 μM). A signal can be observed in the 13 C NMR spectrum that resonates at δ 155.91 ppm and corresponds to a carbon with double bond to nitrogen (C=N) characteristic of oximes; this new signal replaces the signal that resonated at δ 198 ppm (C-12) and that corresponded to the carbonyl group of metabolite-1. All the above information confirms the formation of the reaction product.
In the Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC) spectrum, the same couplings are observed as for the precursor (metabolite-1), which is reasonable as the structural modification has been made on the carbonyl group and does not affect the rest of the compound's structure. The analysis of the spectroscopic information has allowed us to establish that the compound obtained after the reaction corresponds to 4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenoxime (Oxime-1; Figure 1). The coupling patterns deduced from the HMBC spectrum are indicated in Figure 2.
Our observations were confirmed by the significant differences in the EC 50 in the presence and absence of L-NAME for all molecules (Table 3).
On the other hand, the pre-incubation with L-NAME partially blunted the relaxation of metabolite-1 in endothelium-denuded aortas, whereas oxime-1 did not. As shown in Table 3, the EC 50 to oxime-1 was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the presence of L-NAME (26.49 ± 7.97 µM) compared to endothelium-denuded aortic rings (81.88 ± 7.79 µM), although it was significantly higher than the EC 50 obtained in intact aortas treated with oxime-1.

Effect of Metabolite-1 and Oxime-1 on the Contractile Response to KCl: Role of External Ca 2+
To analyze whether the relaxation effect of molecules is mediated by the membrane depolarization, the contractile response to KCl was tested. In contrast to the vascular relaxation by both compounds mentioned above, oxime-1 significantly reduced the contractile response to KCl, whereas metabolite-1 did not it. The results showed that the pre-incubation of aortic rings with 10 −5 M oxime-1 significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the contractile response to 30 mM KCl compared to the intact aorta: 130 ± 9% control versus 62 ± 9% oxime-1 ( Figure 6A). The EC 50 to KCl significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the presence of oxime-1 (37.72 ± 2.10 mM) versus control (22.37 ± 1.40 mM; Table 4). Our observations were confirmed by the significant differences in the EC50 in the presence and absence of L-NAME for all molecules (Table 3).
On the other hand, the pre-incubation with L-NAME partially blunted the relaxation of metabolite-1 in endothelium-denuded aortas, whereas oxime-1 did not. As shown in Table 3, the EC50 to oxime-1 was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the presence of L-NAME (26.49 ± 7.97 μM) compared to endothelium-denuded aortic rings (81.88 ± 7.79 μM), although it was significantly higher than the EC50 obtained in intact aortas treated with oxime-1. Table 3. Relaxation effect of metabolite-1 or oxime-1 in pre-contracted aortic rings with PE: in presence, absence of endothelium, and pre-incubated with 10 −4 M L-NAME.

Effect of Metabolite-1 and Oxime-1 on the Contractile Response to KCl: Role of External Ca 2+
To analyze whether the relaxation effect of molecules is mediated by the membrane depolarization, the contractile response to KCl was tested. In contrast to the vascular relaxation by both compounds mentioned above, oxime-1 significantly reduced the contractile response to KCl, whereas metabolite-1 did not it. The results showed that the preincubation of aortic rings with 10 −5 M oxime-1 significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the contractile response to 30 mM KCl compared to the intact aorta: 130 ± 9% control versus 62 ± 9% oxime-1 ( Figure 6A). The EC50 to KCl significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the presence of oxime-1 (37.72 ± 2.10 mM) versus control (22.37 ± 1.40 mM; Table 4).
Afterwards, we determined the role of extracellular Ca 2+ in the contractile response to KCl. First, the aortic rings were pre-incubated with metabolite-1 or oxime-1 (10 −5 M) in Ca 2+ -free medium. Second, the vascular tissue was stimulated with KCl (40 mM) to induce a contractile response while adding a cumulative concentration of extracellular Ca 2+ (0.1 to 1.0 mM). In a Ca 2+ -free medium, the results confirmed that metabolite-1 (72 ± 11%), and Afterwards, we determined the role of extracellular Ca 2+ in the contractile response to KCl. First, the aortic rings were pre-incubated with metabolite-1 or oxime-1 (10 −5 M) in Ca 2+ -free medium. Second, the vascular tissue was stimulated with KCl (40 mM) to induce a contractile response while adding a cumulative concentration of extracellular Ca 2+ (0.1 to 1.0 mM). In a Ca 2+ -free medium, the results confirmed that metabolite-1 (72 ± 11%), and oxime-1 (71 ± 16%) significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the contractile response to a submaximal KCl concentration (40 mM) compared to intact aorta (112 ± 3% control; 1.0 mM CaCl 2 ; Figure 6B).

Effect of Metabolite-1 and Oxime-1 on the Contractile Response to PE and Extracellular Ca 2+ Influx
The next step was to determine if the relaxation induced by metabolite-1 and oxime-1 can be mimicked in a receptor-mediated contractile response. In this line, the contractile response to PE was tested and both compounds significantly reduced the contractile response to PE, although oxime-1 showed a more highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction of the contractile response to different concentrations of PE (10 −7 to 10 −5 M).

Effect of Metabolite-1 and Oxime-1 on the Contractile Response to PE and Extracellular Ca 2+ Influx
The next step was to determine if the relaxation induced by metabolite-1 and oxime-1 can be mimicked in a receptor-mediated contractile response. In this line, the contractile response to PE was tested and both compounds significantly reduced the contractile response to PE, although oxime-1 showed a more highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction of the contractile response to different concentrations of PE (10 −7 to 10 −5 M).

Discussion
In the present study, we show for the first time that synthesized oxime from metabolite-1, a natural product isolated from Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., exerts a substantial relaxation effect in rat aorta. Metabolite-1 and oxime-1 cause a dose-dependent relaxation of the vascular endothelium, involving endothelial nitric oxide release. Although both compounds reduce the contractile response by decreasing Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space induced by Cav1.2 channel opening, the effect of oxime-1 was also due to reduction of Ca 2+ released from intracellular stores.
Oxime-1 was more effective than metabolite-1 in relaxing pre-contracted intact rat aorta with submaximal concentrations of KCl or PE. Together, the chemical modification of metabolite-1 to oxime-1 significantly enhanced the relaxation effect on the vasculature.
Denudation of the endothelium in aortic rings reduced the relaxation induced by both compounds in response to submaximal concentrations of KCl and PE. These data suggest that both compounds produce relaxation in intact rat aorta, in part, mediated by the release of factors from the vascular endothelium. Indeed, pre-incubation of the vascular tissue with inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME) reduced the relaxation induced by metabolite-1 and oxime-1, strongly suggesting that the nitric oxide (NO) pathway is involved in the vascular response promoted by metabolite-1 and oxime-1, in agreement with previous studies showing the relaxation effects of oximes on isolated blood vessels with denuded endothelium and endothelium [21]. Oximes possess a

Discussion
In the present study, we show for the first time that synthesized oxime from metabolite-1, a natural product isolated from Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., exerts a substantial relaxation effect in rat aorta. Metabolite-1 and oxime-1 cause a dose-dependent relaxation of the vascular endothelium, involving endothelial nitric oxide release. Although both compounds reduce the contractile response by decreasing Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space induced by Cav 1.2 channel opening, the effect of oxime-1 was also due to reduction of Ca 2+ released from intracellular stores.
Oxime-1 was more effective than metabolite-1 in relaxing pre-contracted intact rat aorta with submaximal concentrations of KCl or PE. Together, the chemical modification of metabolite-1 to oxime-1 significantly enhanced the relaxation effect on the vasculature.
Denudation of the endothelium in aortic rings reduced the relaxation induced by both compounds in response to submaximal concentrations of KCl and PE. These data suggest that both compounds produce relaxation in intact rat aorta, in part, mediated by the release of factors from the vascular endothelium. Indeed, pre-incubation of the vascular tissue with inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME) reduced the relaxation induced by metabolite-1 and oxime-1, strongly suggesting that the nitric oxide (NO) pathway is involved in the vascular response promoted by metabolite-1 and oxime-1, in agreement with previous studies showing the relaxation effects of oximes on isolated blood vessels with denuded endothelium and endothelium [21]. Oximes possess a R 2 C=NOH group, which is metabolized by hemoproteins, hemoglobin, and catalase, generating NO and vasodilatation [24,27].
Interestingly, at a maximal concentration, oxime-1 caused a significant relaxation in rat aorta even without vascular endothelium or after pre-incubating the tissue with L-NAME. Vascular reactivity of the tissue was recovered after washing. Other studies demonstrated that L-NAME did not reduce the relaxation effect of oxime derivatives, but inhibitors of soluble guanylyl-cyclase did [21]. This finding suggests that oxime-1 could be a potential bioactive molecule in an injured vascular endothelium [23].
Metabolite-1 and oxime-1 present 4-hydroxyacetophenone moiety in their backbone (see Figure 1). Previous studies showed that acetophenone derivatives, such as 4-hydroxyacetophenone, from Cynanchum wilfordii (Maxim.) Hemsl. ameliorates the vascular endothelial dysfunction by improvement of the NO/cGMP pathway in rat aorta [28,29]. Another study reported vasodilation mechanism associated with acetophenone derivatives (i.e., apocynin) that inhibit NADPH oxidase activity, leading to the generation of lower amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [30]. Therefore, these findings could provide support for the vasodilator effect of these acetophenone derivates (metabolite-1 and oxime-1), involving an increase of the endothelial NO generation or a higher bioavailability due to NADPH oxidase inhibition [8,31].
In the contraction studies approach, the vascular contractile response was studied by membrane depolarization with KCl and by the activation of G-protein coupled receptor with PE. We found that oxime-1 counteracted the contraction in aortic rings induced by low and intermediate concentrations of KCl, but not at the maximal concentration of KCl. Conversely, although metabolite-1 did not decrease the contractile response to KCl in normal medium, both compounds under Ca 2+ -free conditions decreased the contraction induced by KCl or voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channel type-L opening induced by Bay K8644.
In a same line of the drug potency, the contractile response to PE significantly decreased with pre-incubation of oxime-1 in normal and Ca 2+ -free medium, but not with metabolite-1. Reduction of the contractile response to KCl in the presence of oxime-1 can be considered moderate compared to PE. In fact, the attenuated contraction in the presence of oxime-1 was maintained even with maximal concentration of PE, but not with KCl.
Our data suggests that oxime-1 reduces the vascular contraction because it decreases Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores as well as Ca 2+ influx from extracellular space. This is important because the Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores is the first step in triggering Ca 2+ influx through Ca 2+ channels of the plasma membrane and produces arterial vasocontraction [32]. First, we observed a low contractile response to PE in the presence of oxime-1 in Ca 2+ -free medium, before adding Ca 2+ to the bath. Second, there was a small increase in contractile response after adding Ca 2+ .
Metabolite-1 and oxime-1 present isopentenyl residue in their backbone. It is possible that isopentenyl derivatives affect the vascular response. In fact, isopentenyl derivative causes a selective inhibition of Ca 2+ influx through single Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel (TRPV3) in endothelial cells of cerebral parenchymal arterioles and uterine radial arteries in rats [33,34]. On the other hand, an activated TRPV1 channel causes vascular smooth muscle contraction due to Ca 2+ influx via TRPV1, and the contraction is amplified by depolarization-induced Ca 2+ influx via Cav 1.2 in the plasma membrane of the coronary arteries [35].
Previous studies reported that nifedipine, an antagonist of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels, blunted the relaxation caused by 4-hydroxyacetophenone in rat aorta pre-contracted with PE, suggesting that voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels are involving in the relaxation effect of acetophenone derivates, such as metabolite-1 and oxime-1 [36].

Isolation of Natural Products from S. nutans
The natural product 4-hydroxy-3-(isopenten-2-yl)-acetophenone (Metabolite-1) was isolated from S. nutans according to a previous protocol [8]. Briefly, the hydroalcoholic extract was re-suspended in distilled water and extracted successively with n-hexane and chloroform. Metabolite-1 was isolated from chloroform sub-fraction. The organic solutions were concentrated on a rotary evaporator and lyophilized. The structural elucidation was carried out using the spectroscopic data.

Synthesis of Oxime
Synthesis of oxime was performed as previously described with a few modifications [37]. To a solution of the keto-ester (500 mg, 2.5 mmol, 1.0) and hydroxylamine (180 mg, 2.5 mmol, 1.0), ethanol (10 mL) was added pyridine (1.6 mL × mmol) in 1 portion. The reaction mixture was heated at 65 • C for 24 h and then concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was partitioned between ether (50 mL) and water (10 mL). The organic layer was sequentially washed with HCl (0.5 N, 10-50 mM) and water (10 mL), and then dried over MgSO 4 . Concentration in vacuo provided the oxime as a 3:1 mixture of E:Z isomers as a colorless solid.

Animals
Male Sprague Dawley rats (6-8 weeks old; n = 12) weighing between 170 g and 200 g were used in this study. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the local animal research committee of Universidad de Antofagasta (CEIC #275/2020). The animals were housed in plastic cages at room temperature (22-25 • C) and a humidity of 45-51% and had full access to tap water and food (ad libitum). They were randomized and assigned into the different groups tested.

Isolation of Rat Aorta and Vascular Reactivity Assays
This procedure was performed based on the method previously described [34]. Animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation. The aortic rings were placed in an organ bath with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) solution (in mM): 4.2 KCl, 1.19 KH 2 PO 4 , 120 NaCl, 25 NaHCO 3 , 1.2 MgSO 4 , 1.3 CaCl 2 , and 5 D-glucose, with pH 7.4, 37 • C, 95% O 2 , and 5% CO 2 . After the equilibration period for 30 min, the aortic rings were stabilized by three successive near-maximum contractions with KCl (60 mM) for 10 min. The passive tension on aorta was 1.0 g, which was determined to be the resting tension for obtaining maximum active tension induced by 60 mM KCl [38].
To evaluate the contractile response to phenylephrine (PE, 10 −10 to 10 −5 M) or KCl (10 to 60 mM), the tissue was pre-incubated in KRB for 20 min prior to contraction. In another applied protocol, the relaxation capacity of the extract or isolated metabolite was determined. In this case, the tissue was pre-contracted with 10 −6 M PE, and increasing concentrations of bioactive molecules were added to the organ bath on the vascular plateau response. The integrity of the vascular endothelium was evaluated with 10 −6 M acetylcholine (ACh) at the beginning of the experiment.

Statistical Analysis
The results obtained from the experiments are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. In addition, the determination of the sensitivity (EC 50 or IC 50 ) was performed using nonlinear regression (sigmoidal) via Graph Pad Prism software, version 5.0. (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Conclusions
As shown in Figure 10, these acetophenone derivates (metabolite-1 and oxime-1) cause vasorelaxation through pathways involving an increase in endothelial NO levels or a higher bioavailability. Oxime-1 caused significant relaxation of isolated vessels even without vascular endothelium or after inhibiting the nitric oxide generation. Our data shows a substantial effect of oxime-1 on the contractile response induced by PE compared to metabolite-1. Oxime-1 decreased the contractile response to PE by blunting the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and apparently blocking Ca 2+ influx by channels [39]. Metabolite-1 reduced the contractile response to KCl, in part, because of the reduction of depolarization of plasma membrane and Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space [40]. Both bioactive molecules caused relaxation in rat aorta in an endothelium-dependent manner, through endothelial nitric oxide (NO). Results from this approach to improve the vasodilator effect of bioactive molecules from S. nutans through chemical modification of natural products will provide new molecules for treating hypertension. Pad Prism software, version 5.0. (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Conclusions
As shown in Figure 10, these acetophenone derivates (metabolite-1 and oxime-1) cause vasorelaxation through pathways involving an increase in endothelial NO levels or a higher bioavailability. Oxime-1 caused significant relaxation of isolated vessels even without vascular endothelium or after inhibiting the nitric oxide generation. Our data shows a substantial effect of oxime-1 on the contractile response induced by PE compared to metabolite-1. Oxime-1 decreased the contractile response to PE by blunting the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and apparently blocking Ca 2+ influx by channels [39]. Metabolite-1 reduced the contractile response to KCl, in part, because of the reduction of depolarization of plasma membrane and Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space [40]. Both bioactive molecules caused relaxation in rat aorta in an endothelium-dependent manner, through endothelial nitric oxide (NO). Results from this approach to improve the vasodilator effect of bioactive molecules from S. nutans through chemical modification of natural products will provide new molecules for treating hypertension. Figure 10. Putative model of vascular relaxation in rat blood vessel induced by oxime-1 and metabolite-1. Phenylephrine (PE) selectively stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptor in vascular smooth cells, leading to vascular contraction by releasing Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and increased Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space. KCl-induced contraction is due to the plasma membrane depolarization and Ca 2+ influx. Oxime-1 decreases the contractile response to PE by blunting the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and blocking Ca 2+ influx by channels. Metabolite-1 reduces the contractile response to KCl, in part, because of the reduction of depolarization of plasma membrane and Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space. Both bioactive molecules cause relaxation in rat aorta in an endothelium-dependent manner, through endothelial nitric oxide (NO).

Supplementary Materials:
The following supporting information can be downloaded at: www.mdpi.com/xxx/s1, The spectroscopy information of both compounds Figure S1-S13.
Author Contributions: A.P. and J.P. conceived the research idea. J.P., A.P., M.A.C. and C.R.N. wrote the paper. A.P. performed the isolation and synthesis. F.C. and J.P. carried out the vascular reactivity experiments. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: Financial support was provided by FONDECYT 1200610 to Javier Palacios and FOND-ECYT 11190972 to Adrián Paredes. Figure 10. Putative model of vascular relaxation in rat blood vessel induced by oxime-1 and metabolite-1. Phenylephrine (PE) selectively stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptor in vascular smooth cells, leading to vascular contraction by releasing Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and increased Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space. KCl-induced contraction is due to the plasma membrane depolarization and Ca 2+ influx. Oxime-1 decreases the contractile response to PE by blunting the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and blocking Ca 2+ influx by channels. Metabolite-1 reduces the contractile response to KCl, in part, because of the reduction of depolarization of plasma membrane and Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space. Both bioactive molecules cause relaxation in rat aorta in an endothelium-dependent manner, through endothelial nitric oxide (NO).
Author Contributions: A.P. and J.P. conceived the research idea. J.P., A.P., M.A.C. and C.R.N. wrote the paper. A.P. performed the isolation and synthesis. F.C. and J.P. carried out the vascular reactivity experiments. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: Financial support was provided by FONDECYT 1200610 to Javier Palacios and FONDECYT 11190972 to Adrián Paredes.

Institutional Review Board Statement:
The investigation was conducted in Experimental Physiiology Laboratory (EPhyL), Instituto Antofagasta, accordance with the local animal research committee of Universidad de Antofagasta (CEIC #275/2020).

Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.