Effects of the calcium channel blocker benidipine on membrane fluidity of erythrocytes in subjects with essential hypertension: An electron paramagnetic resonance study

1. In the present study, the effects of benidipine, a long-acting Ca channel blocker, on the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes in subjects with essential hypertension were examined using an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and spin-labelling method. 2. Erythrocyte membrane fluidity was significantly lower in hypertensive than normotensive subjects. 3. Benidipine increased the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes from both hypertensive and normotensive subjects in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of benidipine was more pronounced in hypertensive subjects than in normotensive subjects. 4. The results of the present study suggest that benidipine may have a beneficial effect on the rheological behaviour and the improvement of the microcirculation in hypertension. Key words: benidipine, erythrocytes, hypertension, membrane fluidity.