Are dihydropyridine binding sites voltage sensitive calcium channels?

Vasoactivity of Verapamil in the Canine Hindlimb and Sympathetic Nervous System Interaction

Since enhanced sensitivity to verapamil in essential hypertension has been noted, a relationship between verapamil and the sympathetic nervous system has been suggested. It has also been noted that both verapamil and lumbar sympathectomy appear to decrease the vasospasm seen in Raynaud's phenomenon. To further investigate the possible interrelationship between verapamil and the sympathetic nervous system, a unilateral lumbar sympathectomy was performed on eight dogs. Two weeks later the femoral artery blood flow response to intra-arterial verapamil was compared on the sympathectomy limb side and the non-sympathectomy limb side, Blood flow measurements were done without surgical trauma by video dilution technique. Although baseline femoral artery blood flow was unchanged and equal on both sides following sympathectomy (4.6% of cardiac output), there was a significant rise, p<0.05, in the blood flow response to verapamil on the side of sympathectomy. Therefore, sympathectomy appears to enhance the calcium channel blocking properties of verapamil

Preclinical pharmacology of diltiazem

The membrane site of action and intracellular effects of diltiazem on heart and blood vessels are briefly discussed and compared to those of other calcium entry blockers, mainly verapamil and nifedipine. Diltiazem seems to have another site of action in the membrane than verapamil and nifedipine. Even if its main action is exerted at the cell membrane level, diltiazem may, at high concentrations, appears to have intracellular effects. Similar to the haemodynamic effects of verapamil and nifedipine, those of diltiazem are determined not only by direct actions on heart and peripheral vessels, but also by sympathetic reflex activity which modulates the direct effects. Two aspects of the myocardial protective action of diltiazem are discussed, the ability of the drug to reduce the frequency of ventricular dysrhythmias associated with ischaemic damage, and the ability to protect the ischaemic myocardium during reperfusion.

Pharmacodynamic profiles of different calcium channel blockers

The cardiovascular effects of different calcium channel blockers (CCB), exemplified by nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem, are not identical. Some of these differences in effect may be due to the different CCBs interacting with different calcium channel subtypes in the tissues, and/or that the drug-receptor sites are separate. The drugs also have different abilities to activate the sympathetic nervous system, nifedipine increasing and diltiazem decreasing the baroreflex sensitivity. Verapamil, but not nifedipine and diltiazem, has a postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptor blocking effect, and can also increase the release of noradrenaline from adrenergic nerves by blocking pre-junctional alpha-adrenoceptors. In addition, verapamil may have a reserpine-like action on sympathetic nerves. The vasodilator actions of CCBs are not uniform, but seem to vary between species, different vascular regions, and different agents. Mechanisms other than blockade of influx of calcium from the extracellular medium have been suggested to explain these differences, including inhibition of intracellular calcium release, blockade of postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors, interaction with calmodulin, inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, stimulation of Na+-, K+-activated ATPase, stimulation of a calcium pump, and a direct interaction with the contractile proteins. The heterogeneity in pharmacodynamic profile characterizing the CCBs is conspicuous, and may be of importance when selecting agents for the treatment of various cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular disorders.

Modulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in parasympathetic submandibular ganglion neurons

The control of saliva secretion is mainly under parasympathetic control, although there also could be a sympathetic component. Sympathetic nerves are held to have a limited action in secretion in submandibular glands because, on electrical stimulation, only a very small increase to the normal background, basal secretion occurs. Parasympathetic stimulation, on the other hand, caused a good flow of saliva with moderate secretion of acinar mucin, plus an extensive secretion of granules from the granular tubules. The submandibular ganglion (SMG) is a parasympathetic ganglion which receives inputs from preganglionic cholinergic neurons, and innervates the submandibular salivary gland to control saliva secretion. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides acting via G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) change the electrical excitability of neurons. In these neurons, many neurotransmitters and neuropeptides modulate voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). The modulation is mediated by a family of GPCRs acting either directly through the membrane delimited G-proteins or through second messengers. However, the mechanism of modulation and the signal transduction pathway linked to an individual GPCRs depend on the animal species. This review reports how neurotransmitters and neuropeptides modulate VDCCs and how these modulatory actions are integrated in SMG systems. The action of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides on VDCCs may provide a mechanism for regulating SMG excitability and also provide a cellular mechanism of a variety of neuronal Ca(2+)-dependent processes.

Antinociceptive effects of intrathecal L-type calcium channel blockers on visceral and somatic stimuli in the rat

L-type calcium channels can modulate neuronal transduction in the spinal cord. However, their role in noxious information processing in animals that are physiologically intact has not been elucidated. We evaluated the effects of L-type calcium channel blockers diltiazem and verapamil on somatic and visceral nociception at the level of the spinal cord. Intrathecal catheters were inserted at the L4-5 level in Sprague-Dawley rats. The tail flick (TF) test and colorectal distension (CD) test were used to assess somatic and visceral antinociceptive effects, respectively. Motor function was assessed by posture and muscle tone in the limbs. TF latency and CD threshold were measured before and for 180 min after the intrathecal administration of verapamil (50, 100, 300, and 500 microg), diltiazem (100, 300, 500, and 1000 microg), or isotonic sodium chloride solution. The percent maximal possible effect (%MPE) was calculated by transforming response threshold in TF and CD tests. Intrathecally administered diltiazem or verapamil increased both TF latency and CD threshold in a dose-dependent fashion. Isotonic sodium chloride solution, diltiazem 100 microg, and verapamil 50 microg did not increase %MPE in either test. Diltiazem 300 or 500 microg or verapamil 300 or 500 microg significantly (P < 0.05) increased %MPE, with the peak effects 5 min after administration and short-duration antinociception. %MPE was 100% until 15 min after the administration of diltiazem 1000 microg, and significant antinociception continued until 180 min in the TF test. Motor paralysis was observed after the administration of the larger dose of each drug. We demonstrated that intrathecally administered L-type calcium channel blockers diltiazem or verapamil produced both somatic and visceral antinociception and motor block dose-dependently.

IMPLICATIONS

We examined the effects of intrathecally administered L-type calcium channel blockers diltiazem and verapamil on somatic and visceral nociception in rats. L-type calcium channel blockers produced antinociceptive effects, suggesting a possible clinical application to control pain.

Activation of protein kinase C by 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-3-py rid ine carboxylic acid methyl ester (Bay K 8644), a calcium channel agonist, in alveolar type II cells

A role for calcium channels in the regulation of surfactant secretion is suggested by the observation that endothelin-1-stimulated surfactant secretion is inhibited by calcium channel blockers. 1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-3-pyridi ne carboxylic acid methyl ester (Bay K 8644), a dihydropyridine derivative, stimulates voltage-dependent and non-voltage-dependent calcium channels in a number of cell types. This study demonstrates that Bay K 8644 increased phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion in isolated lung epithelial type II cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 100 +/- 8 nM (mean +/- SEM, N = 6). The secretagogue effect of Bay K 8644 was independently decreased in the absence of external calcium, or in the presence of nifedipine, a calcium channel antagonist, or inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). Bay K 8644 increased intracellular calcium from 130 +/- 8 to 230 +/- 14 nM (N = 6, P < 0.05), an effect that was blocked by nifedipine. Bay K 8644 also increased the membrane-associated PKC activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In the membranes from Bay K 8644-stimulated cells, the increase in calcium-dependent PKC was greater than that in the calcium-independent PKC, suggesting preferential translocation of calcium-dependent PKC to the membranes. We suggest that both elevated calcium and activation of PKC are required for calcium agonist Bay K 8644-induced surfactant secretion in type II cells.

Effects of vinconate on age-related alterations in [3H]MK-801, [3H]glycine, sodium-dependent D-[3H]aspartate, [3H]FK-506 and [3H]PN200-110 binding in rats

We investigated the effects of age and (+/-)-methyl-3-ethyl-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1 H-in-dolo[3,2,1-de] [1,5] naphthyridine-6-carboxylate hydrochloride (vinconate), an indolonaphthyridine derivative, on calcium channels, neurotransmitter receptor systems and immunophilin in Fischer rat brain using quantitative receptor autoradiography. [3H]MK-801, [3H]glycine, sodium-dependent D-[3H]aspartate, [3H]FK-506 and [3H]PN200-110 were used to label N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, glycine receptors, excitatory amino acid transport sites, FK-506 binding proteins (FKBP) and voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels, respectively. [3H]Glycine and sodium-dependent D-[3H]aspartate binding significantly decreased in the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, thalamus, substantia nigra and cerebellum of 24 month old rats in comparison with 6 month old animals. In contrast, [3H]MK-801, [3H]FK-506 and [3H]PN200-110 binding showed no significant changes in the brain of 24 month old rats. Intraperitoneal chronic treatment with vinconate (10 and 30 mg/kg, once a day for 4 weeks) dose-dependently ameliorated the significant reduction in [3H]glycine and sodium-dependent D-[3H]aspartate binding in the brain of 24 month old rats. These results demonstrate that glycine receptors and excitatory amino acid transport sites are more susceptible to aging processes than NMDA receptors, immunophilin and voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels. Furthermore, our findings suggest that vinconate may have a beneficial effect on age-related changes in glycine receptors and excitatory amino acid transport sites.

Influence of certain calcium-channel blockers on some aspects of lorazepam-dependence in mice

The effect of acute and chronic treatments of the calcium-channel blockers, isradipine, diltiazem and flunarizine in protecting against lorazepam dependence has been demonstrated in mice. Dependence was induced by twice-daily administration of lorazepam (1 mg kg-1) for 10 days, doubling the dose during the next 10 days. Withdrawal symptoms and changes in the noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine content of different regions of the brain were observed after either 24-h withdrawal or flumazenil administration. Isradipine inhibited lorazepam withdrawal symptoms, the effect being accompanied in the 24-h withdrawal group by significant decreases in the noradrenaline and dopamine content of the thalamus and hypothalamus and in the noradrenaline content of the mid-brain. In the flumazenil-treated group isradipine produced significant decreases in mid-brain noradrenaline and dopamine levels and in the dopamine content of the thalamus and hypothalamus. Diltiazem did not, on the other hand, afford significant protection against lorazepam withdrawal symptoms and did not induce any significant change in the neurotransmitters studied. Flunarizine significantly inhibited lorazepam withdrawal symptoms, an effect accompanied by significant reduction in noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the thalamus and hypothalamus. Dopamine was also significantly reduced in the cerebral cortex. Similar effects were produced in the flumazenil-treated group, and the noradrenaline content was reduced in the medulla, pons and cerebellum. It was concluded that isradipine and flunarizine might be of value in ameliorating lorazepam withdrawal symptoms.

Enhancement of acetylcholine release by homoanatoxin-a from Oscillatoria formosa

The strain NIVA-CYA 92 of Oscillatoria formosa Bory ex Gormont produces phycotoxins with neurotoxic properties. Chemical analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of a water extract of lyophilized material of the organism showed the presence of only homoanatoxin-a. The mechanism of action of homoanatoxin-a on peripheral cholinergic nerves is so far not known. The neurotoxicity of O. formosa containing homoanatoxin-a was investigated in rat bronchi, rat brain synaptosomes and in GH(4)C(1) cells. The water extract of lyophilized material of the organism produced a concentration-dependent reversible increase in the release of [(3)H]acetylcholine from both K(+) (51 mM) depolarised and non-depolarised cholinergic nerves of the rat bronchial smooth muscle. The K(+)-evoked release of [(3)H]acetylcholine was enhanced by about 75% by a water extract from 15-20 mg/ml of lyophilized algal material. The enhanced release of [(3)H]acetylcholine was substantially reduced by the L-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker verapamil (100 μM) and not by the N-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker ω-conotoxin GVIA (1.0 μM) or the P-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker ω-agatoxin IV-A (0.2 μM). Chelation of intra-cellular Ca(2+) by 1,2-bis-(aminofenoxi)etan-N,N,N',N'-tetraacidic acid/acetoxymethyl (BAPTA/AM) (30 μM) had no effect on the phycotoxin-induced release of [(3)H]acetylcholine, indicating that an extracellular pool of Ca(2+) was important for the action of the phycotoxin on the release of [(3)H]acetylcholine from peripheral cholinergic nerves. In rat brain synaptosomes the algal extract enhanced the influx of (45)Ca(2+) in a tetrodotoxin (1.0 μM) and ω-conotoxin MVIIC (blocker of N-, P- and Q-type Ca(2+) channels) (1.0 μM) insensitive manner. Patch-clamp studies showed that the phycotoxin opened endogenous voltage dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels in neuronal GH(4)C(1) cells. These Ca(2+) channels and the effect of the toxin on the channels were blocked by the L-type Ca(2+)-channel antagonist gallopamil (200 μM). The present results suggest, therefore, that the investigated strain of O. formosa contains homoanatoxin-a, which enhances the release of acetylcholine from peripheral cholinergic nerves through opening of endogenous voltage dependent neuronal L-type Ca(2-) channels.

Characterization of a voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel from rabbit and turtle brain

The binding of [3H]nitrendipine to membrane preparation from turtle and rabbit brain was studied. A single population of [3H]nitrendipine binding sites was detected in both species. [3H]nitrendipine bound with high affinity to brain membrane from both rabbit and turtle, revealing a significant population of binding sites (K(D) values of 0.55 +/- 0.05 nM and 0.56 +/- 0.04 nM and Bmax values of 122 +/- 11 and 275 +/- 18 fmol/mg of protein, respectively). Displacement studies showed a similar order of potency of various unlabeled ligands against [3H]nitrendipine both in rabbit or in turtle: nitrendipine > nifedipine >or= nicardipine >> verapamil >or= diltiazem. Our results show that a two fold increment of [3H]nitrendipine binding sites exists in the turtle brain respect to the rabbit.

Differential contribution of L- and N-type calcium channels on rat hippocampal acetylcholine release

Bay K 8644, nimodipine and omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) were used to study the different contribution of voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) to [3H]acetylcholine ([[3H]ACh) release in rat hippocampal synaptosomes. In our experimental conditions, the percentage of calcium-dependent ACh release was approximately 80%. Nimodipine (0.01-10 microM) and Bay 8644 (0.01-10 microM) were not able to modify the [3H]ACh release under stimulating conditions (15 mM K+). Nevertheless, when K+ concentration was reduced to 8 mM, a significant increase in [3H]ACh release was observed at 1 and 10 microM of Bay K 8644. Nimodipine (0.01-10 microM) failed to reverse the effect of Bay K 8644 on [3H]ACh release. Finally, omega-CgTx (0.001-1 microM) caused a concentration-dependent reduction of [3H]ACh release in K+ (15 mM)-stimulating conditions. These results suggest that the N-type VSCC probably play a predominant role in regulating the [3H]ACh release in synaptosomes from rat hippocampus.

Omega-conotoxin GVIA inhibits the methylphenidate-induced but not methamphetamine-induced behavior

We investigated the effects of antagonists for omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX)-sensitive N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (N-channels) on methylphenidate- and methamphetamine-induced behavior. I.c.v. injection of omega-CTX or neomycin, both N-channel antagonists, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of methylphenidate-induced hypermotility in mice but failed to inhibit methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity. Further, omega-CTX inhibited the circling behavior induced by methylphenidate in rats that had kainic acid-induced unilateral striatal lesions. These results suggest that calcium influx through omega-CTX-sensitive N-channels plays an important role in methylphenidate-induced behavior.

Neuropharmacological characterization of voltage-sensitive calcium channels: possible existence of neomycin-sensitive, omega-conotoxin GVIA- and dihydropyridines-resistant calcium channels in the rat brain

We attempted to characterize the functional roles of subtypes of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the brain. The maximal number of [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX) binding sites in rat brain associated with N-type calcium channels (N-channels) was approximately 10 times more than that of [3H]-PN200-110 associated with L-type calcium channels (L-channels). [125I]omega-CTX binding was inhibited by aminoglycoside antibiotics, neomycin and dynorphin A(1-13), but not by various classes of L-channel antagonists. A 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion of the striatum resulted in a marked reduction of both [125I]-omega-CTX and [3H]PN200-110 binding. Kainic acid-induced lesion of the striatum reduced [3H]PN200-110 binding by 57%, but did not reduce [125I]omega-CTX binding. Omega-CTX produced a small (18%) but significant reduction of potassium-stimulated Ca2+ influx into rat brain synaptosomes, although it produced a concentration-dependent inhibition in chick brain synaptosomes. Neomycin inhibited Ca2+ influx in both preparations in a concentration-dependent manner. Both omega-CTX and neomycin inhibited potassium-stimulated [3H]dopamine (DA) release from rat striatal slices. The L-channel antagonists had no effect on either Ca2+ influx or [3H]DA release. These results suggest that DA release in the striatum is regulated by Ca2+ influx through N-channels located in presynaptic nerve terminals, and that the most of the Ca2+ influx in rat brain appears to be governed by neomycin-sensitive, omega-CTX- and DHP-resistant calcium channels.

Endothelin modulates dihydropyridine receptor decreased binding in hippocampal slices from normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Previous studies in rats have demonstrated both the link between voltage-operated calcium channels and endothelin and their cerebral involvement in the pathophysiology of spontaneous hypertension. In the present study, the interaction of endothelin with specific dihydropyridine (DHP) binding sites was investigated using the brain slices model. In rat hippocampal slices, pre-incubation with Bay K 8644 decreased [3H] (+) PN 200-110 binding. There was no difference in agonist-induced decrease of DHP binding in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. The effect of Bay K 8644 was partially inhibited by endothelin but not by angiotensin in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. These data compared to those of other studies suggest that DHP binding sites which are regulated by endothelin are post-synaptic. We conclude that brain slices provide a good in vitro model to study DHP receptor regulation and to explore endothelin interactions with DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channels.

Specific bindings of [3H](+)PN200-110 and [125I]omega-conotoxin to crude membranes from differentiated NG108-15 cells

The characteristics of the specific bindings of [3H](+)PN200-110 (PN: L-type Ca channel antagonist) and [125I]omega-conotoxin G VI A (omega-CgTX: neuronal L- or N-type Ca channel antagonist) to crude membranes from undifferentiated neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid NG108-15 (NG108-15) cells and differentiated cells induced with dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP) were examined, because we have already observed that the magnitude and rate of KCl-stimulated 45Ca uptake by NG108-15 cells increased progressively during differentiation of the cells induced with Bt2-cAMP (unpublished results). The specific binding of [3H](+)PN to these crude membranes was saturable at various concentrations of 2.5-5.0 nM [3H](+)PN. Scatchard analysis showed that the specific binding of [3H](+)PN at equilibrium was significantly increased after differentiation of the NG108-15 cells with Bt2cAMP, but that the apparent Kd value for the specific binding of [3H](+)PN was not influenced by treatment with Bt2cAMP. The specific binding of [3H](+)PN to crude membranes from Bt2cAMP-treated NG108-15 cells was inhibited by a calcium agonist and antagonists, the order of their inhibitory potencies being (+)PN > nitrendipine > (-)PN > or = Bay K 8644 > > diltiazem = verapamil. Thus, PNs showed significant stereoselective inhibition of the specific binding of [3H](+)PN. On the other hand, [125I]omega-CgTX at concentrations of 0.075-0.6 nM showed scarcely any specific binding to these crude membranes, although at 0.6 nM it showed specific binding to crude membranes from rat brain in the same experimental conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age-related changes in Ca2+ channel antagonist receptors in rabbit lower urinary tract

(+)-[3H]PN 200-110 and [3H]nitrendipine binding sites were studied in 1 day, 6 week, 6 month and 4.5-5 year rabbit urethra, bladder base and bladder dome. In all age groups, the density of these Ca2+ channel antagonist binding sites was significantly greater in the urethra than in the bladder base or bladder dome, except that the density of [3H]nitrendipine binding sites in the 1 day rabbit was similar in all three regions. In the urethra the maximum number of binding sites for (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 was twice that for [3H]nitrendipine. In the bladder base and bladder dome both Ca2+ channel antagonists labelled a similar number of binding sites. For both ligands, the Bmax values for the Ca2+ channel antagonists in the urethra increased from 1 day to 6 weeks and then decreased. In the bladder base and dome, however, the receptor density decreased gradually or was unchanged with aging. The pharmacological profiles of these binding sites in 1 day and 6 month urethra and bladder dome showed K1 values with the following rank order: nitrendipine < niguldipine < BAY K 8644. These data demonstrate the presence of regional- and age-dependent changes in the density of Ca2+ channel antagonist binding sites in the lower urinary tract of the rabbit.

Anticonvulsant properties of calcium channel blockers in mice: N-methyl-D-,L-aspartate- and Bay K 8644-induced convulsions are potently blocked by the dihydropyridines

Ten calcium channel blockers were evaluated in mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration for prevention of seizures induced by various convulsants. The dihydropyridines (class II calcium antagonists, i.e., nisoldipine, nitrendipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, and nimodipine) selectively prevented seizures elicited by administration of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMDLA) and the dihydropyridine calcium channel agonist BAY K 8644. With regard to prevention of NMDLA-induced seizures and the subsequent mortality, these compounds were similar in potency to the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK801. Unlike MK801 (IC50 = 0.014 microM), the dihydropyridines did not inhibit in vitro binding of MK801 to synaptic membrane fractions prepared from rat cerebrohippocampal tissue. The dihydropyridines did not influence seizures elicited by maximal electroshock (MES). Flunarizine (diphenyl-alkylamine, class IV) was selectively active in the MES test, considerably less potent against NMDLA-induced convulsions/mortality, exhibited weak noncompetitive NMDA antagonism in vitro (IC50 = 28 microM), and was inactive in the PTZ and BAY K 8644 testing paradigms. Diltiazem, a class III benzothiazepine, possessed relatively weak broad spectra of activity against MES, PTZ, NMDLA, and BAY K 8644 test situations. It was inactive in vitro as a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist. The class I compound verapamil (phenylalkylamine) displayed only moderate inhibition of NMDLA-evoked seizures/mortality. Prenylamine (class V) was moderately active against convulsions produced by MES and NMDLA while retaining a degree (IC50 = 16 microM) of noncompetitive NMDA antagonism. Lidoflazine (class VI) was inactive in all tests. The Ca2+ channel blockers and MK801 were inconsistent in their ability to prevent bicuculline (BIC)-elicited convulsions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists disrupt migrating myoelectric complexes and counteract intestinal disorders associated with morphine withdrawal diarrhea

The effects of two dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonists, nifedipine and nimodipine, on migrating myoelectric complexes (MMCs) of the small intestine were studied in naive and morphine-dependent rats. In addition, the effects of two other calcium channel antagonists, verapamil and diltiazem, on the MMCs were investigated. Nifedipine (1.0-4.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) or nimodipine (1.0-4.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) had an inhibitory effect on the spontaneously occurring MMCs, whereas verapamil (2.5-5.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) or diltiazem (2.5-5.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) had no effect. Bay K 8644 (0.25 mg kg-1 intravenously), a DHP calcium channel agonist, instantly reversed the inhibition induced by nifedipine or nimodipine. When given alone, Bay K 8644 induced irregular spiking activity. In morphine-dependent rats with regular MMCs naloxone (1.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) induced intense spiking activity and profuse diarrhea. Nifedipine (2.0 and 4.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) and nimodipine (2.0 and 4.0 mg kg-1 intravenously) given before naloxone prevented the intense, abstinence-evoked spiking and associated diarrhea. In healthy volunteers nimodipine at an infusion rate of 2 mg h-1 for 4 h did not inhibit the fasting motility pattern. Our findings indicate that DHP-binding sites are involved in the regulation of MMC in the rat and that drugs acting as antagonists at these sites can be used to suppress morphine withdrawal diarrhea and, tentatively, other functional disorders of the intestine.

Effect of vinconate against regional age-related changes in the gerbil brain

We investigated age-related changes in the binding sites of muscarinic acetylcholine, forskolin, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), and of a voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel blocker in the gerbil brain using receptor autoradiography. [3H]Quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), [3H]forskolin, [3H]cAMP, and [3H]PN200-110 were used to label muscarinic receptors, adenylate cyclase, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and L-type calcium channels, respectively. In middle-aged animals (16-month-old gerbils), [3H]QNB, [3H]PN200-110, [3H]forskolin, and [3H]cAMP binding sites were elevated in the hippocampal region compared with that of young gerbils (4 weeks old). Further, a significant elevation in [3H]forskolin binding was seen in the nucleus accumbens. In contrast, [3H]QNB, [3H]PN200-110, and [3H]forskolin binding sites were reduced in the cerebellum, neocortex and thalamus, and hypothalamus in middle-aged animals, respectively. [3H]cAMP binding was not altered in other regions except for an elevation in the hippocampus. Thus, the age-related alterations in receptor binding may proceed by different mechanisms in various brain regions. Chronic vinconate treatment partly modulated the age-related alterations in [3H]QNB, [3H]forskolin, and [3H]cAMP binding in the hippocampus, but not that of [3H]PN200-110. Vinconate also regulated the age-related changes in [3H]forskolin binding in the nucleus accumbens. These results indicate that the age-related alterations in the binding sites of muscarinic acetylcholine, forskolin, cAMP, and L-type calcium channel blocker occur in particular in the hippocampus. Further, they suggest that a novel vinca alkaloid derivative, vinconate, can partly modulate age-related changes in these binding sites.

Comparison of the anticonstrictor action of dihydropyridines (nimodipine and nicardipine) and Mg2+ in isolated human cerebral arteries

The isometric tension recorded from ring segments of branches of human middle cerebral artery was the parameter used to study the inhibition of spasmogen-induced contractions as model for cerebral vasospasm. Concentration-response curves to 5-hydroxytryptamine (10(-9)-3 x 10(-5) M) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (10(-7)-3 x 10(-5) M) were inhibited in Ca(2+)-free medium and in Ca(2+)-free medium to which EGTA (1 mM) had been added, respectively. Nimodipine (10(-7), 10(-5) M), nicardipine (10(-7), 10(-5) M) and Mg2+ (magnesium sulfate 10(-4), 10(-2) M) inhibited the 5-HT-elicited contractions, and this inhibition was similar for the highest concentrations tested. In contrast, nimodipine and nicardipine were more effective than Mg2+ to inhibit the prostaglandin F2 alpha-elicited contractions. Nimodipine (10(-9)-10(-5) M), nicardipine (10(-9)-10(-5) M) and Mg2+ (10(-5)-3 x 10(-2) M) relaxed the arteries precontracted with PGF2 alpha (10(-5) M), but nicardipine was the most potent relaxant drug. Because 5-hydroxytryptamine and prostaglandin F2 alpha may be involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm, nimodipine, nicardipine, and Mg2+ could be used in the pharmacological treatment of this disorder. However, dihydropyridines (particularly nicardipine) are more potent anticonstrictors than Mg2+.

Occurrence of the alpha subunits of G proteins in cerebral cortex synaptic membrane and postsynaptic density fractions: modulation of ADP-ribosylation by Ca2+/calmodulin

We have examined the isolated postsynaptic density (PSD) fraction for the presence of a G protein. First, we found specific binding of guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate to the PSD. Second, pertussis toxin-activated ADP-ribosylation of the isolated PSD fraction resulted in the appearance of a G protein with an apparent molecular mass of 41 kDa, and two G proteins with apparent molecular masses of 41 kDa and 39 kDa in synaptic membrane (SM) fraction and total homogenate (H). The amount of the 41-kDa G protein per unit protein was in the order of SM greater than H greater than PSD. Anti-G(i0 antibodies recognized the 41-kDa G protein in both PSD and SM, whereas anti-G(o) antibodies reacted with the 39-kDa G protein in the SM. The absence of G(o) protein in the PSD suggested that there was no contamination with SM. Moreover, unlabeled PSD incubated with an extract of SM that contained the labeled G proteins resulted in no label in the subsequently reisolated PSD, suggesting that the G protein found in the PSD was not due to adsorption of the G protein onto the PSD during its isolation from the SM. PSD pretreated with EGTA gave an 11-fold increase in the ADP-ribosylation reaction of the G(i) protein; similar effects on the G(i) and G(o) proteins of SM were obtained. Restoration of Ca2+/calmodulin to the PSD, but not of either Ca2+ or calmodulin alone, removed the effect of EGTA, indicating a strong complex formation between G(i) and Ca2+/calmodulin that decreased the ADP-ribosylation reaction. Preincubation with the Ca(2+)-channel blocker nifedipine decreased the ADP-ribosylation reaction in the PSD. We conclude that G(i) is present in the PSD, that it may interact with calmodulin and that it is involved in the regulation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel. We present a theory of the involvement of the G protein and calmodulin in postsynaptic neurophysiological events.

Programmed cell death: its possible contribution to neurotoxicity mediated by calcium channel antagonists

Organic calcium channel antagonists attenuate ischemic or excitotoxic neuronal injury, probably by limiting Ca2+ influx through the voltage-gated calcium channels. However, the possibility that calcium channel antagonists may compromise neuronal survival with long-term exposure has not been systemically examined. In the present study, we report that cerebral cortical cultures exposed for 2 days to either nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, or flunarizine, undergo selective neuronal degradation in a concentration-dependent fashion. This degeneration could be attenuated by protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and actinomycin-D. Cortical cultures incubated for 2 days in low calcium media also exhibit widespread neuronal damage, which is similarly blocked by cycloheximide. Although we cannot exclude other possibilities, these findings suggest that a decrease in intraneuronal calcium levels may trigger synthesis of proteins mediating neuronal cell death. Regardless of the exact toxic mechanisms involved, additional studies on neurotoxicity of calcium channel antagonists seem warranted since some of these compounds are currently being clinically used.

The calcium antagonist diltiazem has antiarrhythmic effects which are mediated in the brain through endogenous opioids

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that the calcium channel blocker, diltiazem, modulates catecholamine-induced arrhythmias through CNS mechanisms. Rats, that had catheters previously inserted into the lateral cerebral ventricle and femoral artery, received diltiazem, 10 or 50 micrograms/kg or the diluent, into the lateral cerebral ventricle (i.c.v.). Epinephrine was infused to produce arrhythmias. The onset of ventricular arrhythmias, premature ventricular complexes, occurred at a significantly (P less than 0.05) greater dose of epinephrine, after diltiazem, compared to the control group and in a dose-dependent manner, with the mean (+/- 1 SEM) dose of epinephrine being 198 +/- 5, 175 +/- 13 and 115 +/- 15 micrograms/kg in the groups treated with 50 and 10 micrograms/kg of diltiazem and the control groups, respectively. The development of fatal arrhythmias, mainly ventricular tachyarrhythmias, occurred at significantly (P less than 0.05) greater concentrations of epinephrine with diltiazem, 50 and 10 micrograms/kg, 225 +/- 5 and 183 +/- 13 micrograms/kg, respectively, compared to controls, 131 +/- 15 micrograms/kg. Endogenous opioids of the mu-type were implicated in this action of diltiazem, because the mu opioid antagonist naloxone, 1 mg/kg (i.v.), significantly (P less than 0.05) antagonized the antiarrhythmic effects of centrally administered diltiazem and the mu opioid agonist DAGO (i.c.v.), did not further enhance the suppression of epinephrine-induced arrhythmias, produced by diltiazem, 50 micrograms/kg. Atropine sulfate, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and atropine methylnitrate, which does not enter the brain, each at 1 mg/kg (i.v.), produced an equal and significant antagonism of the effect of diltiazem, 50 micrograms/kg, that was less than that of naloxone. The combination of naloxone plus atropine sulfate completely prevented the effect of diltiazem, 50 micrograms/kg, on arrhythmias. The antiarrythmic action of diltiazem could not be explained by alteration of the blood pressure or heart rate response to epinephrine. The results suggest that: (a) calcium channels on neurons in the CNS play an important role in the modulation of epinephrine-induced cardiac arrhythmias, (b) diltiazem can suppress arrhythmias through CNS mechanisms, (c) activation of the parasympathetic nervous system mediates some of the effect of diltiazem, but (d) the mechanism of action of diltiazem is modulated through endogenous opioids.

Dihydropyridine-sensitive and omega-conotoxin-sensitive calcium channels in a mammalian neuroblastoma-glioma cell line

1. Pharmacological and kinetic properties of high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channel currents were studied using the whole-cell and perforated patch-clamp methods in a mouse neuroblastoma and rat glioma hybrid cell line, NG108-15, differentiated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP or by prostaglandin E1 and theophylline. 2. The HVA currents were separated into two components by use of two organic Ca2+ channel antagonists, omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega CgTX) and a dihydropyridine (DHP) compound, nifedipine. One current component, IDHP, was blocked by nifedipine (Kd = 8.2 nM) and was resistant to omega CgTX. Conversely, the other component, I omega CgTX, was irreversibly blocked by omega CgTX and was resistant to DHPs. Thus, IDHP could be studied in isolation by a short application of omega CgTX, while I omega CgTX could be studied in the presence of nifedipine. 3. The voltage for half-activation of IDHP was smaller than that of I omega CgTX by 13 mV. IDHP was activated at potentials that were subthreshold for voltage-dependent K+ currents of the cell, whereas I omega CgTX was not. 4. Time courses of activation and deactivation of IDHP were faster than those of I omega CgTX. 5. Voltage-dependent inactivation was small for both IDHP and I omega CgTX at any potential. 6. Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of IDHP was faster and more prominent than that of I omega CgTX. The time course of the Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of IDHP, but not I omega CgTX, was slowed as the membrane potential was made more positive between -20 and 30 mV, although amplitude of the current was increased. 7. Alkaline earth metal ions carried the two components of IHVA in the same order: Ba2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Ca2+. 8. Metal ions blocked the two components of IHVA in the same order of potency: Gd3+ greater than La3+ greater than Cd2+ greater than Cu2+ greater than Mn2+ greater than Ni2+. 9. An alkylating agent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, 0.1 mM), selectively augmented IDHP by 30%. 10. During the course of cellular differentiation induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, IDHP appeared earlier than I omega CgTX. 11. These results indicate that two classes of Ca2+ channels contribute to the HVA currents of this cell line. The DHP-sensitive channel is more apt to generate Ca2+ spikes and Ca2+ plateau potentials than the omega CgTX-sensitive channel.

Effects of some calcium antagonists upon the activity of common antiepileptic compounds on sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice

1. Flunarizine (2.65 mumol/kg, i.p.) and nimodipine (5.25 mumol/kg, i.p.) potentiated the anticonvulsant properties of phenytoin, phenobarbital and valproate against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice. 2. Diltiazem (5.25 mumol/kg, i.p.) was able to potentiate the antiseizure activity of phenytoin but was not effective against the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital and valproate. 3. Verapamil (5.25 mumol/kg, i.p.) was unable to potentiate the anticonvulsant properties of all antiepileptic drugs studied. 4. Bay K 8644 (1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluorophenyl)-pyridine- 5-carboxylic acid), a calcium agonist at a dose of 2.65 mumol/kg, i.p., induced a reduction of anticonvulsant potency of phenytoin, phenobarbital and valproate. 5. None of the calcium antagonists used significantly increased the plasma levels of antiepileptic compounds or significantly affected the body temperature changes induced by anticonvulsant drugs. 6. It may be concluded that some calcium antagonists enhance the anticonvulsant properties of some antiepileptic drugs against audiogenic seizures. A pharmacokinetic interaction does not seem responsible for these effects.

Effects of Ca2+ antagonists on glutamate release and Ca2+ influx in the hippocampus with in vivo intracerebral microdialysis

1. The extracellular glutamate content and Ca2+ level in vivo in rat hippocampus were measured by brain microdialysis following administration of two depolarizing agents (veratridine, KCl) and quinolinic acid (Quin). 2. The two depolarizing agents increased the extracellular glutamate level (to between 280 and 320% basal) and decreased the extracellular Ca2+ content (to 48% of basal). However, Quin did not change the glutamate level but decreased the Ca2+ content. 3. The effects of Ca2+ antagonists on the changes of glutamate and Ca2+ level were evaluated in this experimental model. At a dose of 0.5 mg kg-1, i.v., nimodipine (L-type channel blocker) did not produce significant changes in the stimulated-glutamate release. A statistically significant inhibition of Ca2+ influx was observed at a dose of 0.05 mg kg-1. In contrast, in those animals receiving the N-type Ca2+ antagonist, daurisoline (0.1, 1 or 5 mg kg-1, i.v.), a potent attenuation of both glutamate release and Ca2+ influx was found. 4. We propose that the pharmacological properties of Ca2+ influx and of neurotransmitter release differ and that nimodipine-sensitive L-type channels may not be very common in nerve terminals but are localized in cell soma. Daurisoline-sensitive N-type channels in nerve terminals have a much greater influence on excitatory amino acid release.

Calcium antagonism by KB-2796, a new diphenylpiperazine analogue, in dog vascular smooth muscle

The effects of KB-2796, a new diphenylpiperazine analogue, on [3H]nitrendipine ([3H]NTD) binding, KCl-induced contraction and 45Ca influx has been examined in dog vascular smooth muscle, and compared with those of other diphenylpiperazines. In the binding study, [3H]NTD was found to bind with a high affinity to a single class of sites on aortic membranes (Kd = 0.41 nM and Bmax = 31 fmol (mg protein)-1). KB-2796 inhibited specific [3H]NTD binding in a concentration-dependent manner, with a Ki value of 0.34 microM. The other diphenylpiperazine derivatives such as flunarizine and cinnarizine also inhibited binding in the same manner. Also, in the contraction study, all the diphenylpiperazines antagonized the 50 mM KCl-induced contraction of isolated mesenteric arteries concentration-dependently. The IC50 values of the compounds for KCl-induced contraction correlated strongly with the respective Ki values obtained in the [3H]NTD binding study. In the 45Ca influx study, KB-2796 also effectively inhibited KCl-induced 45Ca influx in mesenteric arteries, with an IC50 value of 0.14 microM. This was close to the IC50 value found in the KCl-induced contraction study. These findings suggest that calcium antagonism by KB-2796 is responsible for its vasorelaxing action in vascular smooth muscle.

Effects of calcium channel agonist and antagonists on calcium-dependent events in CA1 hippocampal neurons

The effects of a variety of calcium channel modulators on different calcium-dependent events in CA1 pyramidal hippocampal neurons were analysed using intracellular recordings in an in vitro slice preparation. The following substances were tested: the dihydropyridine calcium agonist BAY K 8644, the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nimodipine, the phenylalkylamine verapamil and the snail toxin omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx). BAY K 8644 increased the repolarization time of the after hyperpolarization (AHP) following a spike burst. This effect was antagonized by nimodipine. BAY K 8644 also prolonged the calcium spike and, in some cases, increased the size of the synaptic events resulting from activation of the Schaffer collateral/commissural system. Nimodipine decreased the size of the AHP in some neurons but had no consistent effect on synaptic events. Verapamil at low concentrations (1-10 microM) had no significant effects on the calcium-dependent events in the hippocampus. Increasing the concentration (up to 100 microM) led to a progressive suppression of the AHP and of the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), probably via an action on potassium conductances. In addition, the baclofen-induced hyperpolarization was blocked by verapamil. Interestingly, at this higher concentration, verapamil could suppress the AHP without depressing the calcium spike. omega-CgTx selectively blocked the synaptic events (especially the IPSPs) but had no effect on non-synaptic events. This last compound exhibits a high degree of selectivity, acting on N-type calcium channels which are involved in neurotransmitter release. Our results provide evidence that different classes of agents which act on calcium channels can be used to discriminate between different calcium-dependent responses in CA1 hippocampal neurons.

Selectivity of Ca2+ channel blockers in inhibiting muscular and nerve activities in isolated colon

1. Potency and efficacy of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem and of Bay K 8644 in modifying propulsion and nerve or smooth muscle activities have been compared in the guinea-pig isolated distal colon. Both the neuronal and muscular effects of Ca2+ channel blockers seem to develop at concentrations that are devoid of any significant effect apart from that on Ca2+ channels. 2. Nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem were all able to impair propulsion, resting and stimulated acetylcholine (ACh) release and smooth muscle contractility in a concentration-dependent way. However, some degree of selectivity for neuronal and muscular effects could be observed. Nifedipine was more than 500 fold more potent than verapamil in relaxing musculature but less than twice as potent in reducing ACh release. On the other hand, verapamil was the most efficacious Ca2+ channel blocker tested in inhibiting ACh release, its effects being inversely correlated to the external Ca2+ concentration, and completely abolished by Bay K 8644. 3. By comparing the potencies exhibited by each drug against peristaltic reflex, smooth muscle contractility and ACh release, verapamil proved to be almost as potent in slowing the peristaltic reflex as in reducing ACh release, while nifedipine was about 100 fold more potent against the peristaltic reflex than against ACh release, but nearly equal against the peristaltic reflex and smooth muscle tone. Therefore, interference with cholinergic neurotransmission is likely to play a major role in the antipropulsive effect of verapamil, while peristaltic reflex impairment by nifedipine is likely to be dependent on inhibition of smooth muscle. 4. A facilitatory effect of Bay K 8644 on both the efficiency of the peristaltic reflex and the nonadrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxation could be observed at concentrations at least 10 fold lower than those required to affect ACh release or smooth muscle. 5. It is concluded that the effects of Ca2+ channel blockers on neurotransmitter release may be relevant to their effects on the gastrointestinal motor function.

Differential interactions between benzodiazepines and the dihydropyridines, nitrendipine and Bay K 8644

The effects of the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, nitrendipine and the calcium channel activator, Bay K 8644, have been compared on the anaesthetic, ataxic and anticonvulsant effects of benzodiazepines. Possible interactions between the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, PK11195, and the classical benzodiazepines were also examined. Nitrendipine considerably potentiated the anaesthetic effects of benzodiazepines and increased their ataxic effects but had no effect on the anticonvulsant actions. Clonazepam did not produce anaesthesia, at doses up to 1 g kg-1 or when given with nitrendipine. When given alone, nitrendipine did not cause general anaesthesia. Nitrendipine did not appear to alter the metabolism of midazolam. The calcium channel activator, Bay K 8644, reduced the anaesthetic potency of midazolam and, when given alone, produced ataxia. It did not significantly alter central concentrations of midazolam. The "peripheral" benzodiazepine antagonist, PK11195, did not affect the ataxic or anaesthetic actions of benzodiazepines. These results suggest that dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels may be more important to the general anaesthetic than to the anticonvulsant actions of benzodiazepines. The "peripheral" benzodiazepine site did not appear to play a role in either of these properties.

Calcium influx in resting conditions in a preparation of peptidergic nerve terminals isolated from the rat neurohypophysis

1. Calcium accumulation in a preparation of nerve terminals isolated from the rat neurohypophysis was measured both in rapid (10-60 s) and long-term (up to 60 min) uptake experiments, by use of 45Ca2+ as radiotracer and ion-exchange chromatography as separation method. Unless otherwise stated all experiments have been performed in the absence from the incubation media of secretagogues or depolarizing agents. 2. The uptake of 45Ca2+ in nerve terminals was linear up to 30-45 s, with an apparent initial rate of uptake of 0.98 nmol Ca2+ (mg protein)-1 min-1. 3. The level of 45Ca2+ accumulation was sensitive to manipulations of electrochemical gradient for Na+ across the plasma membrane. Alterations of extracellular concentrations of Na+ affected secretory activity to a larger extent than manipulations of internal Na+. These effects were not qualitatively dependent on the nature of the replacement for Na+. 4. Removal of extracellular Na+ induced a significant increase of both the level of 45Ca2+ accumulation and of the apparent initial rate of uptake. The concentration for half-maximal stimulatory effect was 40 mM-Na+. 5. The analysis of the stimulatory effect of high extracellular K+ on the 45Ca2+ accumulation reveals at least two components: a depolarization and an intrinsic K+ effect. 6. Sodium channel inhibitors (TTX, 1.25 microM) decreased significantly the level of 45Ca2+ accumulation, an effect which was evident from the first minute of exposure to the drug. 7. A specific L-type Ca2+ channel blocker (nicardipine) inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake, in a dose-dependent manner. Simultaneous addition of both TTX and nicardipine (20 microM) decreases the 45Ca2+ uptake up to 50%. 8. In conclusion, the uptake of Ca2+ in isolated peptidergic nerve terminals, incubated in resting conditions, is mediated by at least three pathways: a TTX-sensitive and a nicardipine (dihydropyrine)-sensitive pathway and through a Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange-dependent mechanism. The principal route of Ca2+ entry appears to be through TTX-sensitive channels.

Effect of oxodipine on calcium transport in isolated hepatocytes and rat liver mitochondria at different ages

Electron microscopy and biochemical studies were carried out in hepatocytes and mitochondria isolated from livers of young (3-6 month) and old (20-24 month) rats to know under which conditions oxodipine, a calcium antagonist, affects calcium metabolism, the mitochondrial morphology and the differences due to the animals age. Under steady-state conditions, calcium transport through the membrane of isolated hepatocytes was not affected by the presence of the drug in either group of animals studied. By contrast, a clear age-dependent inhibitory effect on the uptake and accumulation of calcium was observed in mitochondria. In the young animals, evidence was observed for a complex mechanism related to cellular respiration and to a possible specific action of the drug. In older animals, this second mechanism appears to be very weak or inexistent. Quantitative morphological studies also point to a deterioration in the mitochondria due to the effect of the drug at the concentrations at which cellular respiration was affected.

Selective potentiation of subtetanic and tetanic contractions by the calcium-channel antagonist nifedipine in the rat diaphragm preparation

1. Nifedipine (1.5-3.0 x 10(-5) M) potentiated the (sub)tetanic tension during 10-50 Hz indirect or direct stimulation of the rat diaphragm preparation; the twitch contractions were not potentiated. 2. The effect was antagonized in high Ca2+ (5-10 x normal) solutions. 3. A comparison with the twitch potentiators caffeine (1.0 x 10(-3) M), quinine (1.4 x 10(-5) M) and phenytoin (2.0 x 10(-5) M), showed that only phenytoin, a putative Ca-antagonist, caused a nifedipine-like frequency-dependent potentiation, indicating a Ca-antagonistic rather than an unspecific effect. 4. A similar (sub)tetanic potentiation was found in a K(+)-free solution. 5. The slow development of the potentiation during repetitive stimulation is in accordance with an effect on the slow Ca channels known to be present in mammalian skeletal muscle. 6. A delay of the fatigue-inducing accumulation of K+ in the T tubules, which may occur during a nifedipine-induced reduction of a Ca2(+)-stimulated K+ efflux, as well as in a K(+)-free solution, may explain the effect.

Mechanism of aminopyridine-induced release of [3H]dopamine from rat brain synaptosomes

1. Aminopyridines (APs) induced the release of [3H]dopamine (3H-DA) from rat synaptosomal preparations. 2. 4-AP and 3,4-DAP were of equal efficacy in inducing release of 3H-DA; 3-AP, 2-AP and 2,6-AP were less active; pyridine and pyridine-4-carboxylamide were inactive. 3. Cd2+ was more effective in inhibiting 4-AP-induced release of 3H-DA (IC50 approximately 4 microM) than Co2+ and Ni2+ (IC50s approximately 500 microM). 4. While 4-AP increased the 45Ca2+ content of whole synaptosomal preparations, no effect of 4-AP on 45Ca2+ content was observed in lysed synaptosomal preparations. 5. 4-AP-induced 45Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by Cd2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ in concentration ranges similar to those inhibiting 3H-DA release.

Nitrendipine decreases benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures but not the development of benzodiazepine tolerance or withdrawal signs

1. The effects of the calcium channel blocking agent, nitrendipine, were studied on seizures in mice produced during withdrawal from chronic benzodiazepine treatment and on the development of tolerance to benzodiazepines. 2. Nitrendipine produced a dose-dependent decrease in seizure incidence, when seizures were produced by the partial inverse agonist FG7142 during withdrawal from seven days treatment with flurazepam. 3. Nitrendipine did not raise the seizure thresholds in naïve mice to the full inverse agonist methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), or to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, bicuculline. 4. When given concurrently with flurazepam for seven days, nitrendipine did not affect the incidence of seizures during flurazepam withdrawal. 5. When given concurrently with the benzodiazepines, nitrendipine did not prevent the development of tolerance to midazolam general anaesthesia or tolerance to the ataxic actions of flurazepam or midazolam. 6. Chronic treatment with flurazepam for seven days did not affect the Kd or Bmax of [3H]-nimodipine binding in mouse whole brain or cerebral cortex. 7. These results with benzodiazepines are partially in contrast with those for ethanol, where nitrendipine not only decreased ethanol withdrawal seizures when given acutely, but also prevented the development of tolerance and withdrawal signs when given concurrently with ethanol. However, they do confirm the selectivity of nitrendipine for withdrawal-induced seizures.

Disappearance in high-K+ medium of receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase in guinea-pig cortical slices

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase was studied in slices of guinea-pig cerebral cortex under normal and depolarizing conditions. Carbachol (1 mM) inhibited basal and isoproterenol (50 microM)-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation by 20% and 25%, respectively, in normal Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer solution (KRB). High-K+ medium (42 mM K+) increased cAMP accumulation to 330% of the basal level and abolished the inhibitory effect of carbachol. It also abolished the effect of morphine, an agonist of opioid receptors. Low-Ca2+ KRB or the presence of the Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine, counteracted the effect of high K+ and restored the inhibitory effect of carbachol on the cAMP level. Pretreatment of slices with W-7 or trifluoperazine, two calmodulin antagonists, had the same effect as low Ca2+ or nifedipine on high-K(+)-stimulated cAMP accumulation and caused reappearance of the inhibitory effects of carbachol and morphine. On the contrary, H-7, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, and neomycin, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, had no significant effect on high-K(+)-induced phenomena and did not restore the effect of carbachol. These data suggest that the Ca2(+)-calmodulin system activated by membrane depolarization regulates the cAMP level directly and also by affecting the receptor-mediated process in nerve cells.

Classification of presynaptic calcium channels at the squid giant synapse: neither T-, L- nor N-type

We examined both pharmacological and functional characteristics of the calcium channels which trigger transmitter secretion from giant nerve terminals of squid. These calcium channels are insensitive to organic calcium channel blockers such as dihydropyridines and omega-conotoxin GVIA, moderately sensitive to cadmium, activated by very small depolarizations and slowly inactivating. We conclude that the characteristics of these presynaptic channels do not correspond to the properties of T-, L-, or N-type calcium channels found in other cells.

Involvement of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in adenosine-evoked inhibition of acetylcholine release from guinea pig ileal preparation

The effects of adenosine and nifedipine on endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) release evoked by electrical stimulation from guinea pig ileal longitudinal muscle preparations exposed to physostigmine were evaluated using an HPLC with electrochemical detection (ECD) system. Resting ACh release, which was sensitive to tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM), was enhanced by Bay K 8644 (0.5 microM; a Ca2+ antagonist) or 4-aminopyridine (30 microM; a K+ channel blocker) but not by theophylline (100 microM; a P1 purinoceptor antagonist) or atropine (0.3 microM). The enhancement of the resting ACh release by Bay K 8644 was virtually unaffected by atropine. Electrically evoked ACh release was enhanced by around two- to fourfold in the presence of theophylline, atropine, Bay K 8644, 4-aminopyridine, or atropine. On the other hand, the evoked ACh release was reduced by adenosine (10-30 microM), nifedipine (0.1-0.3 microM; a dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonist), or bethanechol (1-3 microM) in a concentration-related fashion. The reduction induced by adenosine or nifedipine was almost abolished by either theophylline or Bay K 8644, whereas that induced by bethanechol was virtually unaffected by these drugs. The inhibition by adenosine of ACh release was not influenced in the presence of 4-aminopyridine or atropine. However, this inhibition by adenosine was considerably enhanced by halving the Ca2+ concentration in the Krebs solution and was diminished by doubling the Ca2+ concentration. These findings suggest that adenosine produces a cholinergic neuromodulation presumably via modifying dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel activities in the cholinergic neurons, and thus L-type Ca2+ channels may exist on the nerve terminals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Failure of omega-conotoxin to block L-channels associated with [3H]5-HT release in rat brain slices

The effects of the mixed N- and L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) antagonist, omega-conotoxin GVIA and the L-type VSCC agonist Bay K-8644 on calcium-dependent, potassium evoked release of [3H]5-hydroxtryptamine ([3H]5-HT) were investigated in slices of rat hippocampus. Bay K-8644 (1 microM) enhanced, whilst omega-conotoxin (10-30 nM) attenuated, but did not abolish, evoked release of [3H]5-HT. The facilitatory actions of Bay K-8644 on evoked release were unaffected by concentrations of omega conotoxin that significantly inhibited [3H]5-HT release. The experiments indicate that concentrations of omega-conotoxin which inhibit neurotransmitter release by blockade of N-type VSCC, may leave L-type calcium channel activity unaffected.

Nimodipine, an L-channel Ca2+ antagonist, reverses the negative summating potential recorded from the guinea pig cochlea

Nimodipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, was tested using sound-evoked cochlear potentials in guinea pigs to investigate whether these channels are involved in cochlear function. Perilymph spaces of guinea pig cochleae were perfused with artificial perilymph solutions containing 0.1-10 microM nimodipine at a rate of 2.5 microliters/min for 10 min. The cochlear potentials evoked by 10 kHz tone bursts of varying intensities were recorded from the basal turn of the scala vestibuli. Cochlear perfusion of nimodipine resulted in reversible, dose-related suppression of the compound action potential of the auditory nerve (CAP; N1-P1), a prolongation of N1 latency at suprathreshold levels, an elevated CAP threshold, a decrease in N1 latency at a constant amplitude measured at CAP threshold, a reduction in cochlear microphonics (CM), and a reduction of the negative summating potential (SP) to a point where it became positive (i.e., a reversal of SP). The endocochlear potential (EP) was not affected. These results support the hypothesis that L-type Ca2+ channels are directly involved in the operation of the organ of Corti. We speculate that L-type Ca2+ channels are integrally involved in generation of a negative summating potential and the dc motion of the cochlear partition described by others.

Pharmacological characterization of voltage-dependent calcium currents in rat hippocampal neurons

The kinetics and pharmacology of voltage-dependent calcium (Ca) currents in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons were studied using the whole cell clamp technique. The low voltage-activated (LVA) Ca current was activated at -50 mV and completely inactivated within 100 ms. This current was insensitive to omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx) and to the calcium agonist Bay K 8644. The high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca current was activated at -20 mV and inactivated incompletely during pulses of 200 ms duration. The snail toxin omega-CgTx revealed two pharmacological components of the HVA Ca current, one irreversibly blocked and the other insensitive to the toxin. Bay K 8644 had a clear agonistic action mainly on the omega-CgTx insensitive component of the HVA Ca current.