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Diabetes enhances vasoreactivity to calcium entry blockers
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Artery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Diabetes augmented the relaxing effects of calcium channel blockers like diltiazem and verapamil on blood vessels. Diabetic hearts and aortas showed increased sensitivity to these vasodilators, indicating a significant interaction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Diabetic Complications
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are crucial for managing cardiovascular diseases.
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with significant vascular dysfunction.
- The impact of diabetes on CCB efficacy in different vascular beds requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of diabetes on the vasodilator responses to diltiazem and verapamil.
- To compare the sensitivity of coronary resistance vessels and thoracic aorta to CCBs in diabetic and non-diabetic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Isovolumically-perfused rat hearts were used to assess coronary vasodilator responses.
- Isolated, precontracted rat thoracic aorta segments were utilized to evaluate aortic relaxation.
- Equipotent concentrations of diltiazem and verapamil were administered.
Main Results:
- Both diltiazem and verapamil demonstrated vasodilator effects on coronary resistance vessels in normal hearts.
- Diabetic hearts exhibited an augmented vasodilator response to diltiazem and, to a lesser extent, verapamil.
- Greater relaxation was observed in the thoracic aorta of diabetic animals treated with both CCBs.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes significantly enhances the vasodilator efficacy of diltiazem and verapamil in coronary resistance vessels.
- The sensitivity of thoracic aorta to calcium entry blockers is also increased in diabetic conditions.
- These findings suggest that diabetes alters vascular smooth muscle sensitivity to CCBs, potentially impacting their therapeutic use.