Effects of Nisoldipine on Cytosolic Calcium, Platelet Aggregation, and Coagulation/Fibrinolysis in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

The effect of nisoldipine, a dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonist, on the platelet cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ( [Ca2+] i), platelet aggregation, and various coagulation and fibri nolysis parameters was assessed in normotensive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Eleven patients with angiographically confirmed CAD (4 men, 7 women aged 67.3 ±5.4 years) were administered nisoldipine at 10 mg/day for two weeks. The [Ca2+]i was determined by use of fura2-loaded platelets, platelet aggregation was measured with an aggregometer, and coagulation/fibrinolysis parameters were measured by standard methods. Nisoldipine did not significantly affect blood pressure or heart rate. However, the [Ca2+] decreased significantly (P<0.05) and platelet aggregation was also signifi cantly inhibited. Plasma D-dimer levels decreased significantly (P<0.01). Thus, nisol dipine not only suppressed platelet activation but also affected the coagulation system, suggesting that it is not only a vasodilator and platelet inhibitor but also an antithrom botic agent.