title: [New findings on calcium antagonism].
abstract: The family of calcium antagonist substances is continuously increasing. Often it is difficult, if not impossible, to have clear, objective criteria to differentiate between the available molecules. We have considered some molecular aspects of calcium channels and of the effects of calcium antagonists which may be relevant for the clinical utilization of these drugs. In particular, differences between L and T type of calcium channels in the myocytes and between VOC and ROC calcium channels in the smooth muscle are described. Then we have considered the main differences in the mechanism of action and clinical use of the three prototypes of calcium antagonists: phenilalkilamines, dihydropyridines and benzothiazepines. Finally, we have synthetically depicted the characteristic of the second generation agents such as nisoldipine, amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine and gallopamil.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Cardiologia, Università degli Studi di Brescia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ceconi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Curello
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Visioli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004095:Dihydropyridines / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D004095:Dihydropyridines; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D002118:Calcium
vernacular_title: Nuove acquisizioni in tema di calcioantagonismo.