Immunosuppressive properties of calcium channel blockers.
Calcium channel blockers are extensively used for their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Solid organ transplant recipients commonly have cardiovascular disease and are often treated with these agents. Research demonstrates that calcium antagonists may have beneficial effects in this population that are independent of their effects on the cardiovascular system. Indeed, both in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that they may possess immunosuppressive properties. Their actions at the cellular level in both the afferent and efferent arms of the immune system indicate that alone, as well as in combination with cyclosporine, these agents possess immunosuppressive properties that may potentially benefit the transplant population.
Chitwood
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Drug Evaluation Unit, Hennepin County Medical Center Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Heim-Duthoy
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KL
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004357:Drug Synergism; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D002118:Calcium