[Nifedipine: a novel vasodilator]

Nifedipine was synthesized by Bayer Germany in 1966 and considered for clinical use as a coronary vasodilator in patients with angina pectoris. Japanese investigators played a great part in the pre-clinical and clinical development of nifedipine. Professor Hashimoto demonstrated that nifedipine could increase coronary blood flow even in extremely low dosages, and Professor Kimura found that nifedipine is highly efficacious in preventing anginal attacks in patients with angina pectoris, particularly those with variant form of angina. In early trials it was noted that nifedipine decreased blood pressure in patients with angina pectoris and clinical research by Professor Murakami established a role for nifedipine in the treatment of hypertension. As a prototype L-type calcium (Ca2+) channel antagonist, nifedipine has contributed a great deal to our understanding of the pathophysiological roles of Ca2+ channels in cardiovascular disorders.