title: Antihypertensive mode of action of ketanserin.
abstract: The mechanism of blood pressure reduction by ketanserin in hypertensive patients is still not fully understood. It can occur in the absence of evident alpha 1-adrenergic blockade. However, particularly with prolonged therapy, features of alpha 1 blockade appear. There are both similarities and differences between the pattern of effects caused by ketanserin and prazosin. A central mode of action of ketanserin contributing to the blood pressure reduction is not excluded. It appears unlikely, however, that inhibition of aldosterone secretion makes a substantial contribution to the antihypertensive effect of ketanserin in humans.
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002275:Carcinoid Heart Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D011224:Prazosin / Q000494:pharmacology; D016713:Ritanserin
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D010880:Piperidines; D016713:Ritanserin; D000450:Aldosterone; D007650:Ketanserin; D011224:Prazosin