Relationship among different types and subunits of calcium channels and antihypertensive drugs

This paper elucidates the relationship among different types and subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels and antihypertensive drugs.①L-type calcium channels lack of functional expression in renal efferent arterioles,but it has been found recently that T-type calcium channels have had roles in the regulation of renal efferent arteriolar tone.Third generation dihydropyridine,L-type calcium channel antagonists including manidipine,nilvadipine,benzindamine and efonidipine,can dilate both afferent and efferent renal arterioles,then improve glomerular hypertension and provide renoprotection,because the inhibition of both L and T type calcium channels.② In hypertensive rats,an increased expression of L-type calcium channel α1c subunits has been shown.and this increased expression of calcium channel α1c subunit associated with the increase of Ca2+ influx and elevated arterial tone can be observed.These findings provide a rational basis for designing antihypertension therapy by normalizing Ca2+ channel α1c subunit expression.