Calcium antagonists and atherosclerosis.

Numerous trials have used calcium antagonistic substances to inhibit or prevent genesis and progression of atherosclerosis, as well as disintegration of intimal proliferates and calcium deposition in atheromas or in matrix tissue of artery walls. In experimental models, various components involved in the development of atherosclerosis can be influenced by calcium antagonists. Transendothelial transport through interendothelial spaces and through the endothelial cells are sensitive to calcium antagonists of various types. Some drugs with calcium antagonistic properties are capable of inhibiting the development of stenosing proliferates caused by ballooning or other types of local artery wall stimulation. With cultures of cells obtained from normal and atherosclerotic arteries, insights into the mechanisms are possible by which various calcium antagonists influence the development and the progression of atherosclerosis.