Effect of a calcium channel blocker [nifedipine], a beta blocker [oxprenolol] and their combination on the cardiovascular system

ABSTRACT

Twenty-four adult male dogs were used for the determination of the effects of the nifedipine, oxprenolol and their combination on arterial blood pressure [BP], electrocardiographic changes [ECG], serum lipids free fatty acids [FFA], triglycerides, total cholesterol and lasting blood glucose levels. Nifedipine produced significant increase in heart rate [HR] with inverted T wave, FFA, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose levels. Administration of oxprenolol alone produced significant decrease in BP, HR with biphasic T wave, serum FFA, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose levels. The effect of combined administration of both nifedipine and oxprenolol resulted in a significant decrease in BP and a nonsignificant change in serum FFA, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose levels. No changes were recorded in the ECG tracings. The results were discussed