Dihydropyridine Ca ²⁺ Channel Blockers Increase Cytosolic [Ca ²⁺ ] by Activating Ca ²⁺ -sensing Receptors in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

The dihydropyridine derivatives increase [Ca(2+)](cyt) by potentiating the activity of CaSR in PASMC independently of their blocking (or activating) effect on Ca(2+) channels; therefore, it is possible that the use of dihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel blockers (eg, nifedipine) to treat IPAH patients with upregulated CaSR in PASMC may exacerbate pulmonary hypertension.