Azelnidipine inhibits aldosterone synthesis and secretion in human adrenocortical cell line NCI-H295R

Blockade of a mineralocorticoid receptor is a clinically useful approach to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of azelnidipine, a unique dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker, on aldosterone production in the human adrenocortical cell line NCI-H295R. Azelnidipine inhibited angiotensin II- and KCl-induced expression of steroid 11β-hydroxylase, steroid 18-hydroxylase, and the α1H subunit of the T-type Ca2+ channel, and suppressed steroid biosynthesis in H295R cells by the same amount as efonidipine. On the basis of these findings, azelnidipine appears to suppress steroid biosynthesis in H295R cells beyond the blockade of L-type calcium channels.