The effect of nifedipine and verapamil on rhythmic contractions of human isolated ureter

Abstract

The effect of calcium antagonists nifedipine and verapamil on spontaneous rhythmic contractions of human isolated ureter obtained from donor subjects undergoing kidney transplantation was investigated in comparison with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug indomethacin. Stop-times i.e. the time elapsing from application, were determined for each drug. The rank order of potency at 10(-8) and 10(-7) M concentrations of the drugs was: nifedipine > verapamil > or = indomethacin. However, no significant difference of the stop-times was observed at 10(-6) M concentration of the drugs tested. The rhythmic contractions were re-activated by PGF2 alpha after stoppage with indomethacin but not with nifedipine or verapamil. These results suggest that not only endogenous PG synthesis but also an influx of calcium from the extracellular space is responsible for the spontaneous rhythmic activity of human ureter. The beneficial effects of using calcium antagonists in the treatment of ureteric colic is discussed.

Use of drug therapy in the management of symptomatic ureteric stones in hospitalised adults: a multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis of a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine) and an alpha-blocker (tamsulosin) (the SUSPEND trial)

“…24 Experiments using animal and human tissue models demonstrate that ureteric smooth muscle contraction can be stimulated by activation of adrenergic receptors, particularly the alpha-1D subtype. [25][26][27][28] Blockade of alpha-1 receptors by specific pharmacological antagonists (alpha-blockers) such as doxazosin, 29 terazosin, 30 alfuzosin 31 and, most typically, tamsulosin 32,33 results in ureteric smooth muscle relaxation. It was hypothesised that this would translate into clinical benefit for people with ureteric colic.…”

Physiology and Pharmacology of the Human Ureter: Basis for Current and Future Treatments

“…Sahin et al [96] demonstrated that both endogenous PG synthesis and influx of calcium from the extracellular space is responsible for the spontaneous rhythmic activity of the ureter. Calcium-channel blocking drugs and steroids have been used to reduce ureteral tone and decrease inflammation in patients with ureteral stones [97] .…”

Tamsulosin versus nifedipin in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones and the predictive value of Hounsfield unit in stone expulsion

“…Several studies have reported an increase in the rate of stone expulsion, shortened expulsion times and a decrease in analgesic consumption. [8][9][10][11] Tamsulosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, nifedipine and naftopidil are the most commonly used drugs in MET. 8,10,12 In this study, we compared the efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in MET for distal ureteral stones in patients with renal colic.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] Tamsulosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, nifedipine and naftopidil are the most commonly used drugs in MET. 8,10,12 In this study, we compared the efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in MET for distal ureteral stones in patients with renal colic. In addition, during these treatment modalities, we evaluated the value of Hounsfield Unit (HU) of the stone detected in a non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT) in the prediction of MET success rate.…”