Chronic potentiation of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels by pirfenidone

Abstract

Pirfenidone augments I(CaL), not through higher expression of L-type channels, but through promoting their Ca(2+)-conducting activity. A possible inhibition of NOS expression is likely involved, with subsequent reduced NO production and stimulated cAMP/PKA signalling. These findings may be relevant to the cardioprotective effect of pirfenidone.