Ineffectiveness of Ca2+-antagonists nicardipine and diltiazem on experimental atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

There is accumulating evidence that calcium metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The inhibitory effect of nifedipine, a Ca2-antagonist, on experimental atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits has been reported, and we examined the anti-atherosclerotic action of nicardipine and diltiazem, similar Ca2+-antagonists, but no inhibitory action was observed. It is necessary to recognize the fact that the sensitivity of rabbits to an anti-atherogenic diet shows great individual differences. For the purpose of preventing atherosclerosis due to the abnormality of lipid metabolism the use of Ca2+-antagonist is not warranted at the present stage.