Low threshold Ca2+ currents mediated by T-type channels underlie burst spike activities of relay neurons in the thalamus. We have previously reported that knock-out mice for T-type channels show an enhanced nociceptive response to visceral pain, accompanied by an increase in tonic spikes in the absence of burst spikes in thalamic relay neurons. These results raised a possibility that T-type cha...

Introduction: Our previous studies showed that hydroalcoholic extract of leaf of Vitis vinifera relaxes the phenylephrine-induced contraction in rat thoracic aorta. This effect was dependent on endothelial integrity and NO-cGMP system. The vasorelaxant effect of extract was much lesser on KCl-induced contraction. We, therefore, postulated that K+ channels are involved. The main aim of the pr...

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel openers have a relaxation effect due to the lower cellular membrane potential and inhibit calcium influx. There has been considerable interest in exploring KATP channel openers in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and urinary system disease and premature labor. The purpose of this study was to synthesize 3,3,6,6-tet...

Introduction: Gap junctions are specialized cell–cell contacts between eukaryotic cells through which they communicate. This type of communication has the potential to modulate memory process. We evaluated the effects of the gating of the hippocampal CA1 area gap junction channels on memory consolidation, using passive avoidance task. Materials and Methods: 72 adult male Wistar rats were distri...

the 1,4-dihydropyridine (dhp) derivatives are a known class of calcium channel blockers. some derivatives of dhp showed significant cytotoxicity. it was shown that this effect may not be the result of interaction with ca2+ channels. in this study, we performed an investigation about the intrinsic cytotoxicity of some derivatives of dhp containing nitroimidazole moiety on their c4 position on fo...

This article evaluates the effect of membrane active channel-forming polyene antibiotic (PA) of levorin and its alkyl derivatives on the muscle performance. The membrane channels of muscle cells are capable to transport ions of potassium, sodium, and calcium. In the period of an intensive muscle exercise, the necessity for organic substrates increases and these channels start to work with the g...