title: Vasorelaxant Effect of a Newly Synthesized Dihydropyridine Ethyl Ester (DHPEE) on Rat Thoracic Aorta: Dual Mechanism of Action.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  DHPEE is a newly synthesized compound by merging the key structural elements in an angiotensin receptor blocker (Telmisartan) with key structural elements in 1,4- dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (Nifedipine). In this study, we examined dual calcium channel blocking and AT1 antagonist activity for DHPEE.
  
  
  METHODS
  The functional inhibitory characteristics of DHPEE were studied in vitro in rat thoracic aorta preparations precontracted by phenylephrine (1μM) or KCl (80μM) or Ang II in normal or calcium-free solutions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Concentration-dependent significant relaxation was observed in aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, KCl or Ang II. The tension increment produced by increasing external calcium was also reduced by DHPEE. DHPEE caused a marked decrease in the maximal contractile response of the vasoactive agents and shifted their concentration-response curves to the right.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DHPEE possesses dual characteristics and cause vasorelaxation by blocking the L-type calcium channels and blocking Ang II receptors (AT1) in rat aortic smooth muscle.
authors: Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ; School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Babaei
authors: Farzaneh
authors: F
authors: Ebrahimi
authors: Javid
authors: J
authors: Shahbazi Mojarrad
authors: Yadollah
authors: Y
authors: Azarmi
authors: Afsaneh
authors: A
authors: Gharehbagheri
keywords: Angiotensin II; Angiotensin Receptor blocker; Calcium Channel blocker; DHPEE; Rat Aorta