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Is renal protection with calcium antagonists possible?
P García-Cosmes1, A Mortezo, J M López-Novoa
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Spain.
Drugs
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Verapamil demonstrates significant organ protection, particularly for the kidneys, by counteracting vasoconstrictors and delaying functional decline. This hypertension drug preserves renal function through mechanisms independent of increased glomerular filtration pressure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Background:
- Organ protection is paramount in managing hypertension.
- Effective antihypertensive agents should possess renal protective capabilities.
- Renal protective agents must mitigate damage from vasoconstrictors and preserve function in renal insufficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate verapamil's potential as a renal protective agent in hypertension treatment.
- To investigate verapamil's mechanisms for protecting kidney function beyond increasing glomerular filtration pressure.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies assessing verapamil's effect on mesangial cells against endothelin.
- Human clinical trials examining verapamil's impact on cisplatin-induced renal impairment.
- In vivo mouse models evaluating verapamil's protection against cyclosporine-induced vasoconstriction.
Main Results:
- Verapamil protected mesangial cells from endothelin-induced surface area reduction in vitro.
- In humans, verapamil minimized renal impairment from cisplatin.
- Verapamil preserved superficial cortical blood flow in mice against cyclosporine vasoconstriction.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil exhibits protective effects on renal cells and function.
- Its ability to inhibit mesangial cell replication suggests potential protection against glomerulosclerosis.
- Verapamil represents a promising therapeutic option for renal protection in hypertensive patients.