Cardiovascular depressant effects of N-methyl- and N-isobutyl-1,2-diphenyl ethanolamines: elucidation of the mechanisms of action

Abstract

The cardiovascular effects of N-methyl-1,2-diphenyl ethanolamine (compound M) and N-isobutyl-1,2-diphenyl ethanolamine (compound E) were examined in anaesthetized rats and their effects were compared with those of verapamil and diltiazem. Administration of compound M (10-80 mumole/kg), compound E (2-16 mumole/kg), diltiazem (1.5-24 mumole/kg) or verapamil (1.25-10 mumole/kg) induced dose-dependent decreases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The induced cardiovascular changes were not antagonized by chlorpheniramine, cimetidine or imidazole. Indomethacin antagonized the diltiazem-induced hypotension without any effect on that of compounds M and E. The effects of all compounds tested were antagonized by pretreatment of the rats with CaCl2 (1.2-2.4 mmole/kg). Furthermore, methylene blue significantly antagonized the compound E- and diltiazem-induced hypotension. Treatment of the animals with propranolol enhanced the compound M- and E-induced hypotension. Compounds M and E antagonized the NA-induced increase in arterial blood pressure in a competitive manner. Compounds M and E seem to exert their cardiovascular effects via interference with the influx of extracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, compound E and diltiazem may act partially via activation of guanylyl cyclase.