Effect of amlodipine on mesangial cell proliferation and protein synthesis

Mesangial cells in the glomerulus have several important physiological functions, as has been demonstrated by past research. Platelet derived growth factor, thrombin, endothelin, and angiotensin II have all been shown to affect mesangial cell growth and protein synthesis. First generation Ca channel blockers also have a definite effect on mesangial cell proliferation. We investigated whether the effects of a second generation Ca channel blocker, amlodipine, were similar. Amlodipine was found to inhibit hyperplasia and hypertrophy in mesangial cells.