Mechanistic view of renal protective action of calcium channel blockade.

Calcium channel blockers are one of the most useful antihypertensive agents because of their definite blood pressure lowering action. Although the antihypertensive effect of calcium channel blockers is attributed predominantly to the blockade of L-type calcium channels, recent studies demonstrate that the blockade of other subtypes of calcium channels, including T-type and N-type calcium channels, offers renal protective action because of their beneficial action on glomerular capillary pressure, renal fibrotic process, sympathetic nerve activity and aldosterone synthesis. It requires more extensive studies to clarify whether the ostensibly beneficial actions of these calcium channel blockers are available in a clinical setting.