Dihydropyridine Ca2+ Channel Blockers Increase Cytosolic [Ca2+] by Activating Ca2+-sensing Receptors in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells.

Conclusions: The dihydropyridine derivatives increase [Ca(2+)](cyt) by potentiating the activity of CaSR in PASMC independently of their blocking (or activating) effect on Ca(2+) channels; therefore, it is possible that use the dihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine) to treat IPAH patients with upregulated CaSR in PASMC may exacerbate pulmonary hypertension.
PMID: 23300272 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Circulation Research - January 8, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Yamamura A, Yamamura H, Guo Q, Zimnicka AM, Wang J, Ko EA, Smith KA, Pohl NM, Song S, Zeifman A, Makino A, Yuan JX Tags: Circ Res Source Type: research