Influence of mibefradil on Ca2+ influx induced by vasoactive hormones or depletion of intracellular calcium stores.

The influence of the new calcium antagonist mibefradil (CAS 116666-63-8, Ro 405967) on calcium influx into rabbit smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was studied. Angiotensin II-stimulated divalent cations entry was blocked by mibefradil at micromolar concentrations (1-10 mumol/l). In the same range of concentrations, the antagonist depressed capacitative calcium influx evoked by thapsigargin- and 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ)-dependent depletion of internal depots. The ability to block the receptor-mediated pathway of calcium current into VSMC may explain in part the difference between the mode of pharmacological action of mibefradil as compared to other calcium antagonists.