Protective effect of nitrendipine against hypoxic injury in perfused livers from ethanol-treated rats

Nitrendipine, a calcium channel blocker, was evaluated for its effect on hypoxic injury in perfused livers from ethanol-treated rats. In livers perfused 4 h after ethanol treatment, nitrendipine (35 microM) reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by approximately 50%. Nitrendipine also reduced FITC-dextran fluorescence from the liver surface by about 60% and increased the half-time to maximal fluorescence by approximately fivefold. These data indicate that nitrendipine alters the hepatic microcirculation and vascular space, effects that may explain its hepatoprotective effect. Calcium channel blocking agents such as nitrendipine may be beneficial in liver diseases involving hypoxia in their mechanism.