title: The effects of nifedipine on respiratory mechanics investigated by theend-inflation occlusion method in the rat.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Calcium channel blockers may theoretically exhibit relaxing effects not only on vascular smooth muscle but also on airway smooth muscle.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate possible effects of nifedipine on respiratory mechanics in the rat.
  
  
  METHODS
  Respiratory system mechanical parameters were measured by the end-inflation occlusion method in the rat in vivo before and after the intraperitoneal administration of nifedipine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that nifedipine affects respiratory mechanics, inducing a reduction of airway resistance and of respiratory system elastance, probably because of a relaxing action on airway and parenchimal smooth muscle cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Should these results be further confirmed by human investigations, a possible role of nifedipine in pharmacological respiratory system's diseases treatment may be suggested.
authors: a Department of Biological Sciences, Section of Physiology , University of Padova , Padova , Italy.
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Rubini
authors: b Department of Emergency and Intensive Care , ULSS 2 , Feltre , Italy.
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Catena
authors: b Department of Emergency and Intensive Care , ULSS 2 , Feltre , Italy.
authors: Daniele
authors: D
authors: Del Monte
authors: a Department of Biological Sciences, Section of Physiology , University of Padova , Padova , Italy.
authors: Gerardo
authors: G
authors: Bosco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009543:Nifedipine
keywords: End-inflation occlusion method; nifedipine; rat; respiratory system mechanics