We examined the effect of antisera directed at specific G-protein subtype(s) on dynorphin A (Dyn A)-mediated reduction of calcium currents in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on acutely dissociated neurons. Dyn A (1 microM)-mediated decrease in calcium currents was inhibited > 90% by the preferential kappa-receptor antagonist norbinaltorphi...

the role of opioid receptor and voltage dependent calcium channels on the kindling induced by the convulsant pentylenetetrazole (ptz) were investigated in the rats. experiment involved 24 rats which were divided into four groups. kindling was established with ptz in subconvulsive dose (37.5 mg/kg i.p.) every 48 h and effects were observed within 20 min using five-point scoring system. all anima...

BACKGROUND We have previously shown that calcium channel antagonists inhibit in vitro meningioma growth. This study examines the effect of calcium channel antagonists on in vivo xenograft meningioma growth. METHODS Meningioma cells taken from human patients were mixed with Matrigel and injected into the subcutaneous space in the flank of nude mice. These animals were treated with calcium chan...

Calcium channel blockers are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders for their actions on the voltage sensitive calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscles. The reorganization on calcium channel antagonist binding sites in the limbic regions of the brain, raises the hope that these might also be helpful in some behavioural disorders. Calcium channel blockers act by blocking ...

The protective effect of a L-type calcium channel blocker, nimodipine, on cell injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in PC12 cells was investigated. PC12 cells were exposed to in-vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (30 minutes and 60 minutes respectively) in the presence or absence of nimodipine (10mM/L) in three different time schedules (pre-24h, pre-3h and concurrently). Cellular vi...

Physiological studies indicate that voltage-sensitive calcium channels are regulated by cAMP and protein phosphorylation. The calcium antagonist receptor of the voltage-sensitive calcium channel from transverse-tubule membranes consists of three subunits, designated alpha, beta, and gamma. The catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates both the alpha and beta subunits of ...

C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts were stimulated by a steady electric field ranging up to 10 V/cm. Some cells elongated and aligned perpendicular to the field direction. A preferential positional shift toward the cathode was observed which was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker D-600 and the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine. Rhodaminephalloidin labeling of actin filaments revealed...

Introduction. Overdose with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine can cause profound hypotension that may be exacerbated by the concurrent ingestion of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Best management of such overdoses is uncertain although the use of hyperinsulinaemia-euglycaemia (HIE) has been recommended. Case report. We report a case of mixed amlodipine and losartan overdose in a 50-...

OBJECTIVE To perform a comparison between atosiban (oxytocin antagonist) and nifedipin (calcium channel blocker) for acute treatment of preterm labor and their maternal safety. METHODS A randomized controlled trial study was performed on 80 pregnant women with preterm labor, between 26 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, in Akbar Abadi Teaching Hospital in Tehran, Iran. 40 women (the atosiban group) w...

BACKGROUND In a meta-analysis, we investigated the effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in comparison to placebo or other classes of antihypertensive drugs on endothelial function, which was measured by brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials that compared ARBs with placebo or other classes of antihypertensive drugs in improvi...