VASCULAR IMPACT OF DIHYDROPYRIDINES CALCI UM-ANTAGONISTS

Dihydropyridines are the most numerous available calcium antagonists. While belonging to the same group these drugs have physical, chemical, pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties which are sometimes spe cific and can explain differences in the targets and the vascular sele ctivity. These properties can be related to lipophilic or hydrophilic characteristics, existence or lack of 'use-dependence', possible liais on to membrane phospholipids, and differences in elimination half live s. Selectivity of dihydropyridines also depends on the nature of the t arget structure (amount of intra-cellular calcium storage and mechanis m of its release, electrophysiological properties of these cells) and of its pathological state (atherosclerosis and/or hypertension). Some of these properties could explain the anti-atherogenic effects, myocar dial impact, cerebral and renal vascular flow and action in some patho logical situations (Raynaud's syndrome, chronic arteriopathy, migraine ...). A better knowledge of these different properties could lead to a more accurate choice of the drugs and to a decrease in the incidence of their side effects.