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Azelnidipine, unique calcium channel blocker could prevent stress-induced cardiac dysfunction like α·β blocker

Yuri Takano1, Takashi Ueyama, Fuminobu Ishikura

  • 1School of Allied Health Sciences, Osaka University, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.

Journal of Cardiology
|March 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Azelnidipine, a unique calcium blocker, protects against emotional stress-induced cardiac dysfunction by preventing a drop in heart function. This study shows azelnidipine offers protective effects similar to alpha and beta blockers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Stress Physiology

Background:

  • Alpha and beta-adrenergic blockers are known to protect against cardiac dysfunction induced by emotional stress.
  • Azelnidipine is a distinct calcium channel blocker that does not elevate heart rate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of azelnidipine in preventing cardiac dysfunction caused by acute stress.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were pretreated with azelnidipine (0.3 mg/kg), labetalol (3 mg/kg), or vehicle.
  • Immobilization stress (IMO) was induced for 30 minutes, followed by anesthesia.
  • Cardiac function (fractional area change - FAC), blood pressure, and heart rate were monitored via echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • During IMO, mean blood pressure was significantly lower in the azelnidipine and labetalol groups compared to the vehicle group.
  • Post-IMO, fractional area change (FAC) was significantly higher in both azelnidipine and labetalol groups versus the vehicle group.
  • Labetalol group showed a transiently lower FAC during IMO compared to azelnidipine and vehicle groups.

Conclusions:

  • Acute administration of azelnidipine effectively prevents the decline in cardiac function following acute stress.
  • Azelnidipine demonstrates a protective effect against stress-induced cardiac dysfunction, comparable to alpha and beta-adrenergic blockers.
Abstract

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