ANTIHYPERTENSIVE EFFECTS OF MPC-1304, A NOVEL CALCIUM-ANTAGONIST, IN EXPERIMENTAL HYPERTENSIVE RATS AND DOGS

Antihypertensive effects of a novel calcium antagonist, MPC-1304, (+/-)-methyl 2-oxopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridine-dicarboxylate and its active metabolites were investigated in experimental hypertensive rats and dogs and compared with those of other dihydropyridine derivatives (nifedipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, and nitrendipine). MPC-1304 had a dose-related antihypertensive effect with a slight increase in heart rate (HR) in rats. The antihypertensive effects of MPC-1304 were more potent than those of other dihydropyridines, and its active metabolites had antihypertensive effects comparable to those of other dihydropyridines. The hypotensive effects of MPC-1304 were stronger in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats. During repeated oral administration of MPC-1304 to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, once daily for 4 weeks, 0.3-3 mg/kg), dose-response curves of the antihypertensive effect did not change and body weight gain was equal to that of the vehicle-treated group. When given orally to conscious renal hypertensive dogs, MPC-1304 0.1-0.3 mg/kg had a potency and duration of antihypertensive action comparable to that of nitrendipine (1-3 mg/kg). MPC-1304 increased coronary blood flow (CBF) and aortic blood flow (ABF) in conscious normotensive dogs. In conclusion, MPC-1304 and its active metabolites have potent antihypertensive effects and cause slight tachycardia, and they may be useful in treating hypertension.