Two classes of compous which bind to calnodulin in a calciumdependent manner (neuroleptic drugs and local anaesthetics) were used to investigate the possible involvement of a calcium-dependent regulator protein in the action of the plant hormones cytokinins. The cytokinin-induced synthesis of betacyanin in Amarandus tricolr seedlings was used as one test system. The calmodulin antagonists inhib...

In whole cell patch-clamp recordings, we characterized the L-type Ca(2+) currents in bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells and explored their role, along with the role of T-type channels, in ACTH- and angiotensin II (ANG II)-stimulated cortisol secretion. Two distinct dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type currents were identified, both of which were activated at relatively hyperpolarized poten...

Enyeart JJ, Enyeart JA. Adrenal fasciculata cells express T-type and rapidly and slowly activating L-type Ca channels that regulate cortisol secretion. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 308: C899–C918, 2015. First published March 18, 2015; doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00002.2015.—In whole cell patch-clamp recordings, we characterized the L-type Ca currents in bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells and expl...

Clozapine is the prototype atypical antipsychotic drug, producing little or no extrapyramidal side effects, while improving negative symptoms of psychosis. Clozapine's high affinity for serotonin receptors has been hypothesized to confer the unique antipsychotic properties of this drug. Recently, we demonstrated that both typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs are inverse agonists at constitu...

Sir, Shamasundar (1992) listed different psychotropic drugs with closely similar brand names, and suggested that confusion may arise in dispensing these preparations. A case is reported below where such a situation indeed did arise. Mr. A, a 25 year old student suffering from Major Depression with melancholia (DSM-IV), had been started on fluoxetine (Prodep) 20 mg/ day by his previous psychiatr...

Bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells express a noninactivating K+ current (IAC) that is inhibited by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at picomolar concentrations. Inhibition of IAC may be a critical step in depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry leading to cortisol secretion. In whole-cell patch clamp recordings from AZF cells, we have characterized properties of IAC and the signalling pa...

BACKGROUND Antipsychotic agents are often used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia, although the literature is sceptical about their long-term use for this indication. Their effectiveness is limited and there is concern about adverse effects, including higher mortality with long-term use. When behavioural strategies have failed and drug therapy is instituted, regular attempts t...