Bay K8644 is a

chemical compound A chemical compound is a chemical substance composed of many identical molecules (or molecular entities) containing atoms from more than one chemical element held together by chemical bonds. A molecule consisting of atoms of only one element ...

that functions as an L-type calcium channel agonist. Bay K8644 is used primarily as a biochemical research tool for this effect. It is a structural analog of

nifedipine Nifedipine (3,5-dimethyl 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate), sold under the brand name Adalat and Procardia, among others, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to manage angina, high blood pressure, Ra ...

with positive inotropic activity, and as an aromatic it is highly lipid soluble.

Mechanism of action

Bay K8644 targets L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. It is the first positive inotropic agent shown to act specifically and directly on calcium channels.

References

Dihydropyridines Trifluoromethyl compounds Methyl esters Calcium channel openers Nitro compounds {{cardiovascular-drug-stub