Are there haemorheological reasons for using drugs acting on vascular smooth muscle?

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Vanhoutte, Paul M.

Affiliations: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905

Note: [] Accepted by: Guest Editor G.A. Marcel

Abstract: This brief overview discusses the theoretical reasons why drugs acting on vascular smooth muscle cells may be beneficial in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, taking the calcium entry blockers as examples. A logical explanation for their potential beneficial effect must consider their ability not only to alleviate vasospasm but also to affect the function of the blood constituents, the endothelial cells, and the tissue cells themselves.

Keywords: Calcium entry blockers, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle, red blood cells, platelets, hypoxia

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1982-2406

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 299-303, 1982