Calcium channel blockers are extensively used for their beneficial eff
ects on the cardiovascular system. Solid organ transplant recipients c
ommonly have cardiovascular disease and are often treated with these a
gents. Research demonstrates that calcium antagonists may have benefic
ial effects in this population that are independent of their effects o
n the cardiovascular system. Indeed, both in vitro and in vivo studies
suggested that they may possess immunosuppressive properties. Their a
ctions 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.