Effects of extended-release felodipine on endothelial vasoactive substances in patients with essential hypertension.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension (EH). This trial was undertaken to reveal the effects of extended-release felodipine on endothelial vasoactive substances in EH patients. Methods: A colorimetric chemical method was employed to measure the level of nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), while radioimmunoassay was employed to measure endothelin (ET), angiotensin-II (Ang-II), thromboxane A2 (TXA 2 ) and prostacyclin I 2 (PGI 2 ) in plasma of the subjects. Group 1 consisted of 120 patients who were treated with a 4-week mono-therapy of felodipine. Group 2 consisted of 70 patients who were participating in fitness programs during this period. Another group comprising 80 individuals was selected as controls. Data from both the starting point and the ending point were collected and analyzed. Results: After a 4-week mono-therapy of extended-release felodipine in Group 1, the levels of plasma ET, Ang-ll and TXA 2 decreased significantly, while levels of NO, NOS and PGI 2 did not noticeably change. In Group 2, there were almost no changes in levels of ET, Ang-II, TXA 2 , NO, NOS and PGI 2 . Conclusions: From these results, we conclude that felodipine reduced blood pressure by decreasing the secretion of ET, Ang-ll and TXA 2 . Consequently, felodipine can revitalize the endothelial function in EH patients.