We compared the effects of
SD-3211, a novel
calcium antagonist, on blood pressure, heart rate, and atrioventricular conduction with those of
diltiazem using conscious renal hypertensive dogs (one-kidney, one-
clip type). We also examined the combined effects of these
calcium antagonists with a
beta-adrenoceptor antagonist,
propranolol, on these variables.
Oral administration of
SD-3211 (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure without affecting heart rate.
SD-3211 at all three doses significantly decreased systolic blood pressure. At 2.5 and 5 mg/kg the compound elicited significant decreases in mean blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
Hypotension obtained with the highest dose of
SD-3211 lasted for at least 9 h. No significant alteration in PR interval was observed in electrocardiograms after administration of
SD-3211.
Diltiazem, given orally at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg but not 1.25 mg/kg, produced significant
hypotension with little change in heart rate. The duration of
hypotension induced by the highest dose of
diltiazem was only 3 h.
Diltiazem prolonged PR interval in a dose-dependent manner, causing second-degree
atrioventricular block in some dogs. Combined administration of
SD-3211 or
diltiazem (2.5 mg/kg) with
propranolol (30 mg/kg) resulted in enhanced
hypotension with no alteration in heart rate.
SD-3211 plus
propranolol had little effect on the PR interval, whereas
diltiazem plus
propranolol caused a markedly enhanced prolongation. These results indicate that
SD-3211 is an
antihypertensive agent with long-lasting action and little effect on heart rate and atrioventricular conduction and, when administered alone or in combination with
propranolol, may be useful in the treatment of
hypertension.