Diurnal variation in the diuretic effects of nitrendipine in saline loaded rats.

We have previously reported that the responsiveness of blood pressure to nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, varies with its time of administration. The present study was undertaken to examine whether the diuretic effects of the agent also show diurnal variation. Nitrendipine was given orally at 12 a.m. or 12 p.m. to rats, and urine was collected for 8 hours after administration. The urine volume and urinary sodium excretion were greater at 12 p.m. than at 12 a.m. These data indicate that the cardiovascular as well as renal effects of nitrendipine vary with its time of administration.