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G T Bolger

Publications and source records attributed to G T Bolger.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Local anesthetics differentiate dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites in rat brain and cardiac membranes.

Local anesthetics were used to probe differences in the binding of [3H]nitrendipine to dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites on rat brain and cardiac membranes. Local anesthetics inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding to brain and cardiac membranes with the rank order of potency, dibucaine = proadifen much greater than tetracaine greater than meproadifen greater than RAC-109 (S) greater than RAC-109 (R) greater than benzocaine. Lidocaine, procaine, piperocaine and bupivacaine produced either a small potentiation or inhibition of [3H]nitrendipine binding. Dibucaine inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding to brain membranes (IC50, 4.9 +/- 0.5 microM) by increasing the Kd, whereas in cardiac membranes (IC50, 8.5 +/- 0.9 microM) it both increased the Kd and decreased the maximum binding site capacity of [3H]nitrendipine. The potency of dibucaine to inhibit [3H]nitrendipine binding was reduced in both tissues by monovalent (Li+ greater than Na+ = K+ = Rb+; EC50, 40-50 mM) and divalent (Ca++, Mg++ and Mn++; EC50, 10-50 microM) cations. These cations reduced the effect of dibucaine on the Kd of [3H]nitrendipine in brain and on the maximum binding site capacity of [3H]nitrendipine in cardiac membranes. Inhibition of [3H]nitrendipine binding by dibucaine was best described by high (2 microM) and low (50 microM) affinity sites. The apparent affinities of these sites, but not the fractional occupancies, were similar in brain and cardiac membranes. Na+ modulated the occupancies of these sites in brain, but not in cardiac membranes, whereas Ca++ inhibited occupancy of the high affinity site in both tissues. The effects of Li+ were similar to those of Ca++. These findings indicate that brain and cardiac dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites are coupled to different allosteric effectors or exist in a different membrane environment.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists binding in non-mammalian vertebrates: characterization and relationship to 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines.

The densities of dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites were examined in brains and cardiac issues of representative species from 4 classes of non-mammalian vertebrates (aves, pigeon; amphibia, frog; reptilia, chameleon; and osteichthyes, trout) previously shown to have low or undetectable levels of 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines. Dihydropyridine binding sites were present in brain and cardiac tissue of these 4 classes of non-mammalian vertebrates. The apparent dissociation constants for [3H]nitrendipine in non-mammalian vertebrates were comparable to those found in mammalian (rat) tissues. The densities of [3H]nitrendipine binding sites in brain and cardiac tissues were highest in the pigeon, with lower densities in tissues from chameleon, frog and trout. The densities of dihydropyridine binding sites in the latter tissues were comparable to those observed in the rat. Thus, dihydropyridine binding sites are phylogenetically diverse yet have similar kinetic characteristics in mammals and non-mammalian vertebrates. Despite the pharmacologic evidence that links dihydropyridine binding sites and peripheral binding sites for benzodiazepines in mammals, the earlier evolutionary appearance of the former sites suggest that even though they may share one or more common effector mechanisms, they are discrete entities.

Animals↗

Effects of calcium antagonists on phencyclidine behaviors.

The calcium antagonists nifedipine and verapamil were evaluated for their potential behavioral interactions with phencyclidine induced changes in mouse rotarod performance and motor activity. Nifedipine (2 and 10 mg/kg) and verapamil (2 mg/kg) significantly potentiated impairment of rotarod performance produced by phencyclidine. These doses of nifedipine and verapamil did not by themselves affect rotarod performance. This action does not appear to be dependent on the hypotensive properties of these drugs, since hypotensive doses of prazosin did not alter the effect of phencyclidine on rotarod performance. Nifedipine, 4.0 mg/kg, antagonized increases in ambulatory motor activity, and potentiated decreases in vertical motor activity (rearing) induced by phencyclidine. The effects of calcium antagonists to alter the behavioral actions of phencyclidine in mice may occur through an interaction with the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding site present in the central nervous system.

Animals↗

Acylating phencyclidines irreversibly enhance brain calcium antagonist binding.

Phencyclidine was previously shown to allosterically increase the apparent affinity of the dihydropyridine ( [3H]nitrendipine) calcium antagonist binding site in a lysed synaptosomal membrane preparation of rat forebrain. Treatment of a similar preparation of mouse forebrain with 4-isothiocyanato-1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine (FOURPHIT), an acylating phencyclidine derivative, resulted in a concentration dependent (0.1-10 microM), irreversible, increase in the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine in contrast to the effects of phencyclidine which were reversible. The FOURPHIT isomer, 1-[1-(3-isothiocyanatophenyl) cyclohexyl] piperidine (METAPHIT), (10 microM) also irreversibly increased the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine, but was much less efficacious than FOURPHIT. Phencyclidine blocked the irreversible increase in the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine produced by FOURPHIT. The interactions of multivalent cations and the calcium antagonist diltiazem with the [3H]nitrendipine binding site were altered following treatment of membranes with FOURPHIT. These studies suggest that FOURPHIT irreversibly interacts with the same sites as PCP, and thus may be a useful tool with which to further probe both the behavioral and biochemical interactions between phencyclidine and the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding site.

Animals↗

Enhancement of brain calcium antagonist binding by phencyclidine and related compounds.

The abilities of compounds structurally or pharmacologically related to phencyclidine to increase the apparent affinity of the [3H]dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist [3H]nitrendipine were examined in lysed synaptosomal membrane preparations of rat brain. The p-bromo analog of phencyclidine (1-(1-(4-bromophenyl)cyclohexyl)piperidine) was the most efficacious compound tested in enhancing the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine. The efficacy of this compound was approximately two-fold greater than PCP. The stereoisomers of PCMP (1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl-3-methylpiperidine) were also more efficacious than phencyclidine, although only a small degree of stereoselectivity was observed. Levoxadrol, dexoxadrol and the enantiomers of ketamine did not potentiate [3H]nitrendipine binding. The enantiomers of SKF 10047 (n-allylormetazocine), dextrorphan, levorphanol and the ion channel toxins histrionicotoxin and pumiliotoxin-B also increased the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine, while several local anesthetics and mu-opiate receptor ligands were without effect. These studies suggest that the ability of phencyclidine and structurally related compounds to increase the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine is not mediated through an interaction with phencyclidine receptors, but may represent a unique site for allosteric modulation of neuronal dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist binding sites.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Novel interactions of cations with dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites in brain.

The effects of monovalent (Na+, Li+, K+, Rb+) and divalent (Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+) cations on dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites in brain and cardiac membranes were investigated using a low ionic strength buffer (5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4), and the dihydropyridine, [3H]-nitrendipine. At 25 degrees C, the monovalent cations Na+, Li+, and K+ (100 mM) but not Rb+ significantly decreased the apparent dissociation constant (KD) but had no effect on the maximum binding site capacity (Bmax) of [3H]-nitrendipine in brain. The divalent cations Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ (2 mM) significantly increased the Bmax, but did not affect the KD of [3H]-nitrendipine. The effects of cations were concentration-dependent (EC50 monovalent cations 10-25 mM; EC50 divalent cations 50-200 microM) and demonstrated brain region selectivity. The effect of Ca2+, but not Mg2+ or Mn2+ on [3H]-nitrendipine binding was described by a two-site model. At 25 degrees C, neither mono- nor divalent cations altered the characteristics of [3H]-nitrendipine binding to rat cardiac membranes. At 37 degrees C, Na+ (100 mM) but not K+ (100 mM) significantly increased the Bmax of [3H]-nitrendipine in rat brain membranes. Ca2+ (2 mM) significantly increased the Bmax of [3H]-nitrendipine binding to rat brain membranes to a greater extent than at 25 degrees C. Both Na+ and K+ had no effect on [3H]-nitrendipine binding to cardiac membranes, while Ca2+ (2 mM) significantly decreased the KD of [3H]-nitrendipine. It is suggested that the selective effects of mono- and divalent cations on [3H]-nitrendipine binding to rat brain and cardiac membranes may be associated with differences in the calcium current blocking activity of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists in brain and cardiac tissues.

Animals↗

Late evolutionary appearance of 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines.

Four classes of non-mammalian vertebrates were examined for the presence of both 'brain-specific' and 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines in the central nervous system. 'Brain-specific' binding sites for benzodiazepines were found in the central nervous systems of all non-mammalian vertebrates studied. However, in contrast to mammals, either very low or undetectable levels of 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines were observed in the central nervous systems of these non-mammalian vertebrates. Furthermore, the density of 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines in non-mammalian vertebrate heart was less than or equal to 2% of that found in mammalian cardiac tissue. These findings suggest a very late evolutionary appearance of 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines, implying that these sites may have (a) highly specialized function(s) in both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system.

Animals↗

Phencyclidine increases the affinity of dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist binding in rat brain.

Phencyclidine (PCP) significantly reduces the apparent dissociation constant (KD) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonist, [3H]nitrendipine, in synaptosomal membranes of rat and mouse brain without significantly effecting the maximum binding capacity (Bmax). At an optimum concentration of PCP (10 microM) the apparent KD of [3H]nitrendipine was reduced from 178 +/- 9 pM to 112 +/- 9 pM in rat forebrain, a 58% increase in affinity. The structural derivatives of PCP, P-Br-PCP [1-[1-(4-bromo-phenyl-cyclohexyl)piperidine]], m-NH2-PCP [1-[1-(3-anilo)-cyclohexyl]piperidine], (+/-)-PCMP [1-(1-phenyl)-cyclo-hexyl-3-methylpiperidine] also increased the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine in the following order, p-Br-PCP much greater than PCMP greater than PCP greater than m-NH2-PCP. Local anesthetics either reduced the apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine or had no effect. Kinetic analysis revealed that PCP both increased the microassociation rate constant and decreased the microdissociation rate constant of [3H]nitrendipine. The magnitude of this enhanced binding varied with the brain region studied; the greatest increase in apparent affinity of [3H]nitrendipine was observed in striatum, while no significant increase in affinity was observed in brainstem. In some brain areas, PCP was more effective in reducing the KD in crude homogenates than in washed tissue. PCP (10 microM) did not alter the KD of [3H]nitrendipine to rat cardiac tissue. Both Ca2+ and Mg2+ inhibited the effect of PCP, while monovalent ions were ineffective in this regard.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The behavioral effects of the calcium agonist Bay K 8644 in the mouse: antagonism by the calcium antagonist nifedipine.

Mice injected with the calcium agonist BAY K 8644 (2-4 mg/kg, i.p.) displayed profound behavioral changes including ataxia, decreased motor activity, Straub tail, arched back, limb clonus and tonus, and an increased sensitivity to auditory stimulation. BAY K 8644 significantly impaired rotorod performance in mice with an ED50 of 0.8 mg/kg. The behavioral effects of BAY K 8644 were antagonized by nifedipine, but not by the non-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist verapamil or the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. Further, the actions of BAY K 8644 were not mimicked by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine at doses up to 4.5 mg/kg. These observations, coupled with the findings that BAY K 8644 is a potent, competitive inhibitor of [3H]nitrendipine binding to the dihydropyridine binding site in mouse brain (Ki = 7.0 X 10(-9) M), suggests that BAY K 8644 may produce its behavioral actions via an interaction with the DHP binding site, which has been linked to the control of calcium flux across membranes in peripheral tissues.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

"Peripheral-type" binding sites for benzodiazepines in brain: relationship to the convulsant actions of Ro 5-4864.

Previous studies have shown that Ro 5-4864 is a potent convulsant and increases the firing rate of substantia nigra zona reticulata neurons. The pharmacologic profile of compounds that antagonize these actions suggested that the effects of Ro 5-4864 were not mediated by "brain-type" benzodiazepine receptors. We examined a number of compounds that are structurally related to Ro 5-4864 for their capacities to displace [3H]Ro 5-4864 from "peripheral-type" binding sites and their potencies as convulsants (or as antagonists of Ro 5-4864-induced convulsions). It was observed that compounds such as KW 3600 (the N-desmethyl analog of Ro 5-4864), which have very low affinities for "peripheral-type" sites, are convulsants with a potency nearly equal to that of Ro 5-4864. In contrast, compounds such as Ro 5-6900 and PK 11195, which bind with very high affinities to "peripheral-type" binding sites, are neither convulsants nor do they antagonize the convulsant actions of Ro 5-4864. Within a series of compounds that are structurally related to Ro 5-4864 there is a good correlation (r = 0.93; p less than 0.01) between their potencies as convulsants and their capacities to displace [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate from sites that may be associated with the chloride ionophore. Thus, it appears that occupation of "peripheral-type" binding sites by high-affinity ligands may not be directly involved in the convulsant actions of Ro 5-4864 and related compounds.

Animals↗

Ca2+ channel antagonist actions in bladder smooth muscle: comparative pharmacologic and [3H]nitrendipine binding studies.

The actions of a series of 15 Ca2+ channel antagonists including D-600, nifedipine, and diltiazem were examined against K+ depolarization and muscarinic receptor induced responses in guinea pig bladder smooth muscle. Responses of bladder are very dependent upon extracellular Ca2+ and sensitive to the Ca2+ channel antagonists, the tonic component more than the phasic component of response. Regardless of stimulant, K+ or methylfurmethide (MF), or component of response, the same rank order of antagonist activities is expressed, suggestive of a single structure-activity relationship and the existence of a single category of binding site which may, however, exist in several affinity states. High affinity binding of [3H]nitrendipine (KD = 1.1 X 10(-10) M) occurs in bladder membranes, and similar high affinity binding was found in microsomal preparations from other smooth muscles including guinea pig and rat lung, rat vas deferens, uterus, and stomach. [3H]nitrendipine binding in the bladder was sensitive to displacement by other 1,4-dihydropyridines, paralleling their pharmacologic activities and showing excellent agreement with binding data previously obtained for guinea pig ileal smooth muscle. Comparison of pharmacologic data for inhibition of K+- and MF-induced responses by a common series of Ca2+ channel antagonists in bladder and ileum revealed excellent correlations. Neither pharmacologic nor binding studies suggest significant differences in Ca2+ channel antagonist properties in smooth muscle from bladder and intestine.

Animals↗

Differential regulation of 'central' and 'peripheral' benzodiazepine binding sites in the rat olfactory bulb.

The density of [3H]flunitrazepam and [3H]Ro 5-4864 binding sites was examined 19-21 and 27-31 days after surgical isolation of the olfactory bulbs. While statistically significant reductions in [3H]flunitrazepam binding were observed in the olfactory bulbs at both intervals, a significant reduction in [3H]Ro 5-4864 binding was observed only at 27-31 days after surgery. No consistent changes in the binding of either radioligand were observed in cerebella. Extirpation of the olfactory bulbs resulted in a significant reduction in the convulsant potency (but not efficacy) of Ro 5-4864, while neither the potency nor efficacy of pentylenetetrazole was affected by this procedure. These results suggest that benzodiazepine receptors and 'peripheral-type' binding sites for benzodiazepines are regulated independently, and that at least a subpopulation of peripheral-type binding sites are associated with neuronal elements in the olfactory bulb. These data also suggest that peripheral-type binding sites for benzodiazepines in the olfactory bulbs may influence the convulsant actions of Ro 5-4864.

Animals↗

Characterization of the binding of [3H]Ro 5-4864, a convulsant benzodiazepine, to guinea pig brain.

The density of high affinity binding sites for [3H]4'-chlorodiazepam [( 3H]Ro 5-4864) in guinea pig cerebral cortex is significantly higher (3.8-fold) than the density reported in the rat, and is nearly equal to the density of binding sites for other [3H]benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, flunitrazepam). The density of these [3H]Ro 5-4864 binding sites was generally higher in guinea pig brain than in rat brain, with the exception of olfactory bulb. Both the subcellular distribution and pharmacologic profile of these sites in guinea pig brain appears qualitatively similar to observations previously reported in the rat. The high density of binding sites for [3H]Ro 5-4864, coupled with the potency of this compound as a convulsant in the guinea pig, suggest this species will be a valuable model for elucidating putative pharmacologic and physiologic functions of these sites in brain.

Animals↗

Specific and non-specific desensitization of guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle.

The effects of cis-2-methyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-1-3-dioxolane methiodide (CD), a muscarinic agonist, histamine, substance P and K+-stimulation on the mechanical responses, Ca2+-dependence and desensitization in guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle have been studied. The mechanical responses to all four stimulants are highly dependent upon extracellular Ca2+(Ca2+EXT) and are blocked by the Ca2+ channel antagonist nicardipine. The tonic (slow) components of response are more dependent on Ca2+EXT and are more sensitive to nicardipine (IC50 values 5.0 X 10(-8) - 2.5 X 10(-9)M) than are the phasic (fast) components of response. Tissue exposure to CD (5 X 10(-7)M, 10 min) or histamine (3 X 10(-6)M and 3 X 10(-4)M, 10 min) produces short term nonspecific desensitization but substance P (5 X 10(-8)M, 10 min) produces only specific desensitization. K+-induced responses neither desensitize nor are desensitized. Desensitization is concentration- and time-dependent for both specific and nonspecific processes. Nonspecific desensitization is protected by elevation of K+ concentration (5.36mM) in the incubating medium, by dithiothreitol and by inhibitors (mepacrine,p-bromophenacyl bromide and phenylgloxal) of phospholipase A2 and is potentiated by mellitin, an activator of phospholipase A2. Desensitization produced by the muscarinic agonist CS is protected by Gpp(NH)p (10(-4)M), but histamine-induced desensitization is unaffected. There is no loss of muscarinic receptors, measured by [3H]QNB binding following tissue exposure to low concentrations of CD (5.0 X 10(-7)M) for up to 72 h. However, an apparent loss of receptors (20-30%) is measured following 10-90 min exposure of tissue to 10(-3)M CD. It is suggested that contractions of guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle elicited by CD, histamine, substance P or K+ mobilize a common pool of Ca2+ through a Ca2+ channel antagonist (nicardipine) sensitive pathway. However, the existence of short term nonspecific desensitization (CD and histamine), specific desensitization (substance P) or no desensitization (K+ stimulation) indicates that significant differences exist in the pathways linking initial stimulus to mechanical response. The ability of elevated K+ to protect against nonspecific desensitization suggest that post stimulus membrane hyperpolarization may represent one contributing component to nonspecific desensitization. Products of phospholipid degradation may also contribute to desensitization since inhibitors or activators of phospholipase A2 prevented or potentiated respectively, nonspecific desensitization.

Animals↗

Characteristics of the binding of [3H]nitrendipine to rabbit ventricular membranes: modification by other Ca++ channel antagonists and by the Ca++ channel agonist Bay K 8644.

This study was carried out to characterize [3H]nitrendipine binding to cardiac membranes and to test the hypothesis that high affinity binding of Ca++ channel antagonists and agonists is to Ca++ channels. Binding was specific, rapid, reversible and stereoselective. The relative order of potency of nifedipine analogs for inhibition of binding was the same as that for inhibition of smooth and cardiac muscle contraction. Results with diltiazem, verapamil and lidoflazine were consistent with the hypothesis that nondihydropyridine Ca++ channel antagonists act at one or more sites allosterically linked to the 1,4-dihydropyridine site in cardiac cells. The Ca++ channel agonist Bay K 8644 [methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-pyr idine- 5-carboxylate] displaced specifically bound [3H]nitrendipine in an apparently competitive manner with an IC50 value of 5 nM. The results suggest that organic antagonists do not act by physically blocking the Ca++ channel. The data also support the hypothesis that the high affinity binding sites for [3H]nitrendipine in isolated cardiac membranes are associated with Ca++ channels that are inactivated or are otherwise unavailable for opening.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

The effects of erythrosin B(FD & C Red No. 3) on the guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation.

The responses of the guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle to the food, drug and cosmetic dye erythrosin B (FD & C Red No. 3) were examined in acetylcholine- and electrically-stimulated preparations. Erythrosin B (10(-6)-10(-4)) reduced the amplitude of the mechanical responses produced by both stimuli. The effects were not simply concentration- and time-dependent. Responses to field stimulation were more sensitive to inhibition by erythrosin B, inhibition increasing with both concentration of dye and time of exposure. Responses to acetylcholine were generally less sensitive to erythrosin B and inhibition at 90 min exposure was more evident at lower concentrations of the dye. Many preparations contracted briefly upon exposure to low concentrations of the dye. Erythrosin B did not significantly affect the specific binding of [3H]QNB to muscarinic receptors. Erythrosin B reduced resting K+ levels in the longitudinal muscle but Na+ concentrations were essentially unaffected. Muscarinic agonist-stimulated uptake of Na+ and release of K+ were inhibited by erythrosin B (10(-6)-10(-4)M); this effect was enhanced with increased time of exposure to the dye. The effects of erythrosin B on cellular ion concentrations were more evident at low than at high concentrations of the dye. Erythrosin B reduced the efflux of [3H]acetylcholine induced by field stimulation from the myenteric plexus longitudinal muscle preparation.

Acetylcholine↗

The action of the ionophore ionomycin in guinea-pig intestinal smooth muscle.

The ionophore ionomycin produced concentration-dependent (5 X 10(-9) to 5 X 10(-6) M) contractions in guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle. Responses were dependent on extracellular Ca2+, consistent with the known role of this Ca2+ source in supporting excitation-contraction coupling to a variety of stimulants in this tissue. Responses were insensitive to atropine (10(-6) M) but were dependent upon extracellular Na+ and were completely blocked by low concentrations of the Ca2+-channel antagonists nicardipine, YC-93 (5 X 10(-7) M), and D-600 (5 X 10(-6) M). The behaviour of ionomycin is very similar to that shown by A 23187 in this tissue. Ionomycin, like A 23187, can apparently activate D-600 sensitive Ca2+ channels in the guinea-pig intestinal smooth muscle rather than simply translocating Ca2+EXT.

Animals↗

Characterization of binding of the Ca++ channel antagonist, [3H]nitrendipine, to guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle.

A chemically heterogeneous group of compounds, the Ca++ channel antagonists, which includes verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine inhibits excitation-contraction coupling in smooth and cardiac muscle by blocking Ca+ entry at a specific class of Ca++ channels. The binding of the nifedipine analog, [3H]nitrendipine, to a microsomal fraction from guinea-pig longitudinal smooth muscle has been characterized. Specific binding was saturable, linear with protein concentration and reversible. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant was 1.63 +/- 0.06 X 10(-10)M and the maximum site density was 1.13 +/- 0.03 pmol/mg of protein determined from Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding at 25 degrees C. Inhibition of binding was specific and stereoselective for Ca++ channel antagonist drugs and was unaffected by a variety of receptor active ligands. Correlations between binding and inhibition of mechanical response to methylfurmethide- and K+-stimulation in a series of nifedipine analogs were determined. A 1:1 correlation was found for the K+ tonic response, but for the phasic component of the K+ response and for both components of the methylfurmethide response the antagonists were more active as inhibitors of [3H]nitrendipine binding than as inhibitors of mechanical response. [3H]Nitrendipine binding was sensitive to other Ca++ channel antagonists including verapamil, D-600, diltiazem, flunarizine, lidoflazine and bepridil. Interaction with these agents suggests, consistent with previous reports, that more than one binding site for Ca++ antagonists exists. A variety of inorganic divalent and trivalent cations (Mn++, Co++, Ni++, Pb++, UO2++, Zn++, Cd++, Cu++, Tm+++ and La+++) inhibit specific [3H]nitrendipine binding. The data suggest that [3H]nitrendipine binding in smooth muscle is to a site which mediates the pharmacologic response.

Animals↗