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Arterial baroreceptor reflex and calcium antagonists.
1Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Calcium antagonists can interfere with the baroreceptor reflex, affecting heart rate control. While central modulation is key at therapeutic doses, these interactions may not drive long-term antihypertensive effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Calcium antagonists are widely used for hypertension.
- Tachycardia is a known side effect of some calcium antagonists.
- Baroreceptor reflex dysfunction can impact cardiovascular regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between calcium antagonists and baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of calcium antagonists.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical studies on calcium antagonists and baroreceptor function.
- Analysis of the impact of calcium channel blockade on baroreceptor mechanotransduction and central reflex modulation.
Main Results:
- Calcium antagonists can interfere with baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate, independent of their chemical structure.
- Central modulation of the baroreceptor reflex is a likely mechanism of action at therapeutic levels.
- Chronic hypertension treatment with calcium antagonists leads to baroreceptor reflex resetting, explaining stable heart rate despite reduced blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Calcium antagonists can modulate the baroreceptor reflex through central mechanisms.
- Baroreceptor reflex resetting occurs during chronic calcium antagonist therapy for hypertension.
- The observed effects on the baroreceptor reflex do not confirm a role in the antihypertensive action of these drugs during chronic therapy.