Variable results of calcium blockade in post-ischaemic renal failure

The effects of three chemically dissimilar calcium-blocking drugs were studied in experimental post-ischaemic renal failure, in the rat. After 45 min unilateral clamping and contralateral nephrectomy, post-ischaemic verapamil administration protected renal function (p less than 0.025), but flunarizine, either before or after ischaemia, was not beneficial. Following 60 min bilateral renal pedicle clamping, nifedipine administration was not beneficial. Verapamil was the only calcium-blocking drug which attenuated the post-ischaemic renal dysfunction. Calcium blockers which differ in their modes of action, differ in their ability to protect the kidney from ischaemia.