A comparison of Ca2+ channel blocking mode between gabapentin and verapamil: implication for protection against hypoxic injury in rat cerebrocortical slices.

ABSTRACT: 1 The mode of Ca(2+) channel blocking by gabapentin [1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane acetic acid] was compared to those of other Ca(2+) channel blockers, and the potential role of Ca(2+) channel antagonists in providing protection against hypoxic injury was subsequently investigated in rat cerebrocortical slices. 2 mRNA for the alpha(2)delta subunits of Ca(2+) channels was found in rat cerebral cortex. 3 Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis estimated from cGMP formation was enhanced by KCl stimulation, which was mediated primarily by the activation of N- and P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels. Gabapentin blocked both types of Ca(2+) channels, and preferentially reversed the response to 30 mM K(+) stimulation compared with 50 mM K(+) stimulation. In contrast, verapamil preferentially inhibited the response to depo

SUBMITTER: Oka M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1573845 | biostudies-literature | 2003 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature