Effect of nilvadipine on balloon catheterization-induced intimal thickening of the coronary artery in miniature pigs.

The effect of nilvadipine on balloon catheterization-induced intimal thickening of the coronary artery was examined in miniature pigs. A diffuse intimal thickening was observed in vehicle-treated controls 6 weeks after balloon catheterization. The histologic features of the intimal thickening resembled those of early atherosclerotic lesions and restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Nilvadipine given in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg (subcutaneously, s.c.) for 6 weeks significantly inhibited intimal thickening. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the intima to the cross-sectional area of the media was significantly reduced by 62% in nilvadipine-treated animals. These results suggest that nilvadipine may prevent or exert beneficial effects on coronary arterial injuries such as atherosclerosis and restenosis after PTCA.