The effects of calcium antagonists on renal hemodynamics, urinary protein excretion, and glomerular morphology in diabetic states.

Abstract

Numerous animal studies have been performed in the early stages of diabetic renal disease documenting beneficial effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Over the past 5 yr, a number of animal and human studies show similar results with certain calcium antagonists. However, the data with calcium antagonists are not as consistent as that with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. This article will review all of the pertinent clinical and laboratory studies involving these classes of agents in the course of diabetic nephropathy. Emphasis is placed on explaining divergent results between animal and human studies with regard to renal hemodynamic, histologic, and antiproteinic effects.