[The role of calcium in the effect of stress hormones]

During administration of stressogenic substances an increased shift of calcium ions into smooth muscles of the aorta and heart muscle takes place. Administration of a high-fat diet supplemented by cholesterol enhances this process. The calcium blood level does not change significantly during this procedure. The amount of calcium in bones declined after administration of stresso-genic hormones although the values were not statistically significant. It may be assumed that calcium ions shifted into the cardiovascular system originate from osseous tissue. Calcium accumulation during repeated or prolonged stress contributes towards the interpretation of the mechanism of action of stressogenic substances on the cardiovascular system. The increased supply of calcium ions into the heart muscle and coronary arteries may influence also the development of ischaemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies. The increased amount of calcium ions in smooth muscles of the aorta after prolonged administration of stressogenic substances indicates a higher content of calcium ions also in smooth muscle cells of arterioles which leads to a higher peripheral vascular tension. Stress alone does not lead to the development of atherosclerosis but creates favourable conditions for its development.