RESUMEN
The effects of nitrendipine (Nit) on myocardial contractility, myocardial succinate de-hydrogenase (SDH) and cytochrome oxidase (CCO) activities in streptozotocin (65mg/kg) diabetic rats were studied. Four weeks after the induction of diabetes, the rats were treated with Nit (30mg ?kg -2/day) for 4 weeks. The results showed that ventricular diastolic function was affected after 4 weeks of diabetes, and both ventricular diastolic and systolic functions were obviously involved after 8 weeks. These changes were significantly improved in diabetic rats receiving Nit treatment. The myocardial SDH and CCO activities in diabetic animals were markedly lower as compared to controls. The attenuation of these enzyme activities in diabetic rats was significantly reversed by administration of Nit. These findings suggest that Nit treatment may exhibit some beneficial effects on diabetic cardiomyopathy.