Differential effects of calcium channel blockers and stimulants on morphine withdrawal in vitro

The effects of calcium channel blockers and stimulants on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in morphine-dependent ileum were evaluated in vitro. Both verapamil and diltiazem (0.01-1 microM) inhibited the naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal contractures in a concentration-dependent way. The effect of diltiazem was stereo-specific. On the other hand, the calcium channel stimulant, Bay k 8644 (0.01 microM), significantly increased the naloxone-induced contractures of morphine-dependent ileum. These results suggest a role for calcium channels in morphine withdrawal in vitro.

Dose-dependent and stereoselective antagonism by diltiazem of naloxone-precipitated morphine abstinence after acute morphine-dependence in vivo and in vitro

The effects of two enantiomers of diltiazem (l-cis and d-cis) on naloxone-precipitated morphine abstinence after acute morphine dependence were evaluated in vivo in mice and in vitro in isolated pieces of rat terminal ileum. d-cis-diltiazem (10-40 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the jumping and body weight loss induced by naloxone in acutely morphine dependent mice. By contrast, l-cis-diltiazem 40 mg/kg did not significantly inhibit jumping and produced a much lower inhibition of body weight loss than the same dose of d-cis-diltiazem. In addition, d-cis-diltiazem (0.01-1 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of naloxone-induced contracture in morphine dependent ilea, whereas l-cis-diltiazem, even at 1 microM, did not inhibit this contracture. These results suggest that calcium channels may play a similar role in naloxone-precipitated morphine abstinence in vivo and in vitro.

Irreversible injury of cranial nerves 9 through 12 (Collet-Sicard syndrome). Case report

✓ A case of bullet injury producing unilateral paralysis of the cranial nerves, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (Collet-Sicard syndrome) is presented.