Effects of a new antianginal agent, nicorandil, on normoxic and anoxic contractions in isolated miniature pig coronary arteries exposed to 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine: comparison with nitroglycerin and diltiazem.

Nicorandil, nitroglycerin and diltiazem effects on normoxic and anoxic contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) were compared in isolated miniature pig coronary artery strips. Anoxia augmented contractile responses of the strips to 5-HT and NE. Nicorandil and nitroglycerin inhibited the normoxic contractile responses to 5-HT and NE and the further contraction induced by subsequently imposed anoxia. Diltiazem inhibited only the responses to 5-HT and to subsequently imposed anoxia. Whereas nicorandil and nitroglycerin produced relaxation of both potassium- and lanthanum-induced contractions, diltiazem was an effective relaxant of the potassium-induced contraction. The present experiments demonstrate that anoxia can augment the contractions of isolated large coronary arteries to 5-HT and NE. Nicorandil as well as nitroglycerin attenuate normoxic and anoxic contractions to 5-HT and NE. This is probably accomplished by inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.