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Felodipine and vasomotion physiology
B Kokkas1, C Papadopoulos, M Kotoula
1Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Angiology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Felodipine, a calcium channel blocker, affects vasomotion differently in bovine and rat aortic rings. It also increases catecholamine stores in mouse heart and liver by inhibiting calcium entry.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Felodipine is a selective 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
- 1,4-Dihydropyridine derivatives can act as calcium channel blockers or activators, with effects dependent on membrane potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate felodipine's effects on vasomotion.
- To explore species-dependent actions of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives.
- To determine felodipine's impact on catecholamine stores.
Main Methods:
- Studied felodipine's calcium entry-blocking activity in bovine aortic smooth muscle.
- Assessed felodipine's effect on phenylephrine- and KCl-induced contractions in bovine and rat aortic rings.
- Measured catecholamine stores in mouse heart and liver after felodipine administration.
Main Results:
- Felodipine (1-10 microM) inhibited calcium entry in bovine aortic smooth muscle.
- Felodipine antagonized contractions in bovine aortic rings but increased them in rat aortic rings.
- Felodipine significantly increased catecholamine stores in mouse heart and liver.
Conclusions:
- Felodipine exhibits vascular selectivity and species-dependent effects on vasomotion.
- The observed increase in catecholamine stores is likely due to felodipine's inhibition of calcium entry, reducing secretion.