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PD 122860: a novel dihydropyridine with sodium channel stimulating and calcium channel blocking properties.

The cardiac and vascular activities of ethyl 5-cyano-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2-[(4-pyridinyl-sulfonyl)methyl]-4-[2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-pyridine carboxylase (PD 122860), a novel dihydropyridine, were investigated in vitro using rat heart and rabbit aorta, and compared with reference inotropic and vasodilator agents. In the rat heart, PD 122860 increased left ventricular contractility, decreased coronary resistance and altered the shape of the electrocardiogram T-wave. All three effects were observed at comparable concentrations of PD 122860. The inotropic response to PD 122860 was reversed by the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin and blunted by the Na+-Ca++ exchange inhibitor dichlorobenzamil. The effects of tetrodotoxin and dichlorobenzamil on the inotropic response to the reference Na+ channel stimulant veratridine were comparable to PD 122860, whereas tetrodotoxin and dichlorobenzamil had no inhibitory effect on the inotropic responses to the adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin or the Ca++ channel stimulant BAY K 8644. PD 122860 selectively relaxed potassium-contracted aortic rings and inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding to rat brain membranes, suggesting that the vasodilator activity of PD 122860 is due to Ca++ channel blockade. In contrast to BAY K 8644, PD 122860 did not contract partially depolarized aortic rings, suggesting an absence of Ca++ channel stimulant activity. PD 122860 is a racemic mixture and both the vasorelaxant and [3H]nitrendipine binding inhibitory activities selectively reside in the (+)-enantiomer [(+)-PD 122860]. In contrast, the inotropic response resides with both enantiomers of PD 122860. It is therefore concluded that PD 122860 represents a unique dihydropyridine derivative which possesses both Na+ channel stimulating and Ca++ channel blocking activities.

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

Isoforms of alpha1E voltage-gated calcium channels in rat cerebellar granule cells--detection of major calcium channel alpha1-transcripts by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

In primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells, transcripts of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels have been amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and identified by sequencing of subcloned polymerase chain reaction products. In these neurons cultured for six to eight days in vitro, fragments of the three major transcripts alpha1C, alpha1A, and alpha1E are detected using degenerated oligonucleotide primer pairs under highly stringent conditions. Whole-cell Ca2+ current recordings from six to eight days in vitro granule cells show that most of the current is due to L-type (25%), P-type (33%) and R-type (30%) Ca2+ channels. These data support the correlation between alpha1A and P-type Ca2+ channels (G1) and between alpha1E and R-type channels (G2 and G3). By including specific primer pairs for alpha1E the complimentary DNA fragments of indicative regions of alpha1E isoforms are amplified corresponding to the three most variable regions of alpha1E, the 5'-end, the II/III-loop, and the central part of the 3'-end. Although the complementary DNA fragments of the 5'-end of rat alpha1E yield a uniform reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction product, its structure is unusual in the sense that it is longer than in the cloned rat alpha1E complementary DNA. It corresponds to the alpha1E isoform reported for mouse and human brain and is also expressed in cerebellum and cerebrum of rat brain as the major or maybe even the only variant of alpha1E. While fragments of a new rat alpha1E isoform are amplified from the 5'-end, three known fragments of the II/III-loop and two known isoforms homologue to the 3'-coding region are detected, which in the last case are discriminated by a 129 base pair insertion. The shift of the alpha1E expression from a pattern seen in cerebellum (alpha1Ee) to a pattern identified in other regions of the brain (alpha1E-3) is discussed. These data show that: (i) alpha1E is expressed in rat brain as a structural homologue to the mouse and human alpha1E; and (ii) rat cerebellar granule cells in primary culture express a set of alpha1E isoforms, containing two different sized carboxy termini. Since no new transcripts of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels genes are identified using degenerate oligonucleotide primer pairs, the two isoforms differentiated by the 129 base pair insertion might correspond to the two R-type channels, G2 and G3, characterized in these neurons. Functional studies including recombinant cells with the different proposed isoforms should provide more evidence for this conclusion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

P-type voltage-dependent calcium channel mediates presynaptic calcium influx and transmitter release in mammalian synapses.

We have studied the effect of the purified toxin from the funnel-web spider venom (FTX) and its synthetic analog (sFTX) on transmitter release and presynaptic currents at the mouse neuromuscular junction. FTX specifically blocks the omega-conotoxin- and dihydropyridine-insensitive P-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Mammalian neuromuscular transmission, which is insensitive to N- or L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, was effectively abolished by FTX and sFTX. These substances blocked the muscle contraction and the neurotransmitter release evoked by nerve stimulation. Moreover, presynaptic Ca2+ currents recorded extracellularly from the interior of the perineural sheaths of nerves innervating the mouse levator auris muscle were specifically blocked by both natural toxin and synthetic analogue. In a parallel set of experiments, K(+)-induced Ca45 uptake by brain synaptosomes was also shown to be blocked or greatly diminished by FTX and sFTX. These results indicate that the predominant VDCC in the motor nerve terminals, and possibly in a significant percentage of brain synapses, is the P-type channel.

Action Potentials↗

Molecular pharmacology of non-L-type calcium channels.

Voltage-gated calcium channels are key sources of calcium entry into the cytosol. Mutations in calcium channels have been implicated in numerous disorders such as migraine, incomplete congenital X-linked stationary night blindness, epilepsy, and ataxia, and they are important therapeutic targets for the treatment of pain, stroke, hypertension, and epilepsy. Calcium channel antagonists can be broadly classified into three groups. 1) Inorganic ions typically nonselectively block the pore of most calcium channel subtypes, and in some cases, alter gating kinetics. 2) Peptides isolated from arachnids, cone snails, and snakes frequently selectively antagonize individual calcium channel subtypes by direct occlusion of the pore or altering gating kinetics. 3) Small organic molecules of various structure-activity-relationship (SAR) classes can mediate both selective and nonselective effects on individual calcium channel subtypes, and occlude the pore or reduce channel availability. Here, we provide an overview of classes of inhibitors of non-L-type calcium channels.

Animals↗

Effects of a calcium channel blocker and calcium chelating agents on cochlear electrical activity in the guinea pig.

Endocochlear potential (EP) in the guinea pig was investigated under the influence of nifedipine and calcium chelating agents. The area from the scala tympani to the scala vestibuli was perfused with control and test solutions. EP decreased gradually after perfusion with the nifedipine solution, when the concentration was higher than 100 ng/ml. At a concentration of 200 ng/ml, EP decreased from +70 mV to +14 mV. At 1000 ng/ml, it decreased from +70 mV to +54 mV and stayed at this level during perfusion. It began to return to the initial level when perfusion with the control solution was recommenced. Cochlear microphonics (CM) also decreased with 200 ng/ml of nifedipine, but less markedly than EP. EGTA (10 mM) decreased EP from +80 mV to +67 mV. This change, however, was only transient and EP returned to the control level. EDTA (4 mM) had no significant effect on EP. These results suggest that Ca ions play a role in maintaining EP in a manner similar to that by which Ca modulates Na-K pump activity of the marginal cells in stria vascularis.

Animals↗

[Regulation of human erythrocyte volume. The role of calcium channels activated by calcium].

A mathematical model of stabilization of erythrocytes volume which takes into account the homeostasis of univalent ions and the calcium regulation of potassium flux through the membrane has been studied. The model has the only stable solution at all actual values of parameters. The investigation of the steady-state cell volume dependence on membrane permeability for potassium and sodium ions has shown that volume is much better protected against a nonspecific change in permeability than against a specific increase in the membrane permeability for potassium or sodium ions. In the case of a nonspecific increase of the erythrocyte membrane permeability for cations the cell volume has best stabilization when the stoichiometry of sodium and potassium ions transported by a Na,K-ATPase is 3/2.

Biological Transport↗

Amiloride analogs inhibit L-type calcium channels and display calcium entry blocker activity.

Three structural classes of commonly used amiloride analogs, molecules derivatized at the terminal guanidino-nitrogen, the five-position pyrazinoyl-nitrogen, or di-substituted at both of these positions, inhibit binding of the L-type Ca2+ channel modulators diltiazem, gallopamil, and nitrendipine to porcine cardiac sarcolemmal membrane vesicles. The rank order of inhibitory potencies among the various derivatives tested is well defined with amiloride being the least potent. Saturation binding studies indicate that inhibition of ligand binding results primarily from effects on Kd. Ligand dissociation measurements suggest that amiloride derivatives do not associate directly at any of the known sites in the Ca2+ entry blocker receptor complex. In addition, these compounds do not compete at the "Ca2+ coordination site" within the channel. However, studies with inorganic and substituted diphenylbutylpiperidine Ca2+ entry blockers reveal that amiloride analogs interact at a site on the channel where metal ions bind and occlude the pore. Photolysis experiments performed with amiloride photoaffinity reagents confirm that a specific interaction occurs between such probes and the channel protein. Upon photolysis, these agents produce concentration- and time-dependent irreversible inactivation of Ca2+ entry blocker binding activities, which can be protected against by either verapamil or diltiazem. 45Ca2+ flux and voltage-clamp experiments performed with GH3 anterior pituitary cells demonstrate that amiloride-like compounds inhibit L-type Ca2+ channels directly. Moreover, these compounds block contraction of isolated vascular tissue in pharmacological assays. Electrophysiological experiments indicate that they also inhibit T-type Ca2+ channels in GH3 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate unequivocally that amiloride analogs display significant Ca2+ entry blocker activity in both ligand binding and functional assays. This property, therefore, can seriously complicate the interpretation of many in vitro and in vivo studies where amiloride analogs are used to elicit inhibition of other transport systems (e.g. Na-Ca and Na-H exchange).

Amiloride↗

Involvement of calcium channels in the contractile activity of neurotensin but not acetylcholine: studies with calcium channel blockers and Bay K 8644 on the rat fundus.

The contractile activity of neurotensin and acetylcholine on rat isolated fundus strips was examined in preparations maintained in Tyrode buffer containing 2.5, 1.0 or 0 mM Ca2+. While the neurotensin contractions depended markedly on the external Ca2+ concentration, the acetylcholine-induced muscular responses were not significantly affected by omission of calcium in the superfusion media. Pre-incubation of rat fundus strips with nifedipine (0.03-3.8 microM), diltiazem (0.5-3.5 microM) or methoxyverapamil (0.3-1.3 microM) antagonized in a non-surmountable fashion the contractile activity of neurotensin but not of acetylcholine. Pretreatment with Bay K 8644 potentiated in a concentration-dependent fashion the contractile activity of rat fundus strips to neurotensin without modifying to any significant degree the acetylcholine-induced contractions. Nifedipine blocked in a concentration-dependent manner the Bay K 8644-induced potentiation of the neurotensin contractile responses in the fundus. Results demonstrate the dependence on external calcium of the contractile activity of neurotensin and the resistance of the muscarinic response to external calcium manipulations. The coupling of the neurotensin receptor to calcium channels is discussed.

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

Regulation of renal artery smooth muscle tone by alpha1-adrenoceptors: role of voltage-gated calcium channels and intracellular calcium stores.

The ischemia induced vasospasm of the renal arterial blood vessels mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptors is of importance for the loss of kidney function. This is based on reduced perfusion of the kidney cortex occurring in kidney transplant and organ preserving surgery. The present study considered the intracellular mechanism of the norepinephrine (NE) induced renal artery vasospasm by using swine renal artery smooth muscle ring. Norepinephrine and phenylephrine (PE) induced dose-dependent and fully reversible isometric contractions with a threshold concentration of 10 nM (n = 7) and 10 nM (n = 4), and an EC50 of 0.3 microM and 1 microM, respectively. The receptor was identified as alpha1A-subtype. The contraction was completely inhibited by verapamil (IC50 = 1.51 microM; n = 11) and diltiazem (IC50 = 9.49 microM; n = 8) and 85% by nifedipine (IC50 = 0.13 microM; n = 21). Blockade of the intracellular inositol- 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ store by thapsigargin (1 microM, n = 7) or suppression of Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+-sensitive Ca2+ store by ryanodine (100 microM, n = 4) inhibited the PE induced contraction by 39.5% and 47.6%, respectively. The results suggest a key role of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ stores in the alpha1A-adrenoceptor induced contraction of the renal artery.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Pharmacology and drug discovery for T-type calcium channels.

Voltage-gated calcium channels are found in the plasma membrane of many excitable and non-excitable cells. When open, they permit influx of calcium, which acts as a second messenger to initiate diverse physiological cellular processes. Ten unique alpha1 subunits, grouped in three families (CaV1, CaV2, and CaV3), encode biophysically and pharmacologically distinct low-voltage-activated T-type and high-voltage-activated L-type, N-type, P/Q-type, and R-type calcium channels. T-type calcium channels are found in neurons where they generate low-threshold calcium spikes and influence action potential firing patterns, in heart cells where they influence pacemaking and impulse conduction, in smooth muscle cells where they regulate myogenic tone and proliferation, in endocrine cells where they regulate hormone secretion, and in sperm where they regulate the acrosome reaction. Validation of T-type calcium channels in disease is based on an abundance of data pertaining to clinical efficacy of T-type calcium channel blockers in certain human conditions as well as information relating to the distribution, functional properties, and physiological roles of these channels. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular pharmacology of T-type calcium channels. It describes novel research approaches to discover potent and selective T-type calcium channel modulators as potential drugs for treating human disease and as tools for understanding better the physiological roles of T-type calcium channels.

Animals↗

Properties and modulation of cardiac calcium channels.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels are widely distributed in excitable membranes and are involved in the regulation of many cellular functions. These channels can be modulated by neurotransmitters and drugs. There is one particular type of calcium channel in cardiac cells (L-type) whose gating is affected in different ways by beta-adrenoceptor and 1,4-dihydropyridine agonists. We have analysed single calcium channel currents (i) in myocytes from rat hearts in the absence and presence of isoproterenol or 8-bromo-cAMP. We have found that both compounds have similar effects on calcium channel properties. They increase the overall open state probability (po) of individual calcium channels while i remains unaffected. Analysis of the gating kinetics of calcium channels showed: a slight increase in the mean open times of calcium channels, a reduction in time intervals between bursts of channel openings, an increase in burst length and a prominent reduction in failures of calcium channels to open upon depolarization. These kinetic changes caused by isoproterenol and 8-bromo-cAMP can account for the increase in po. Since the macroscopic calcium current, ICa, can be described by ICa = N X po X i, the increase in po accounts for the well-known increase in ICa by beta-adrenergic catecholamines. Cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of calcium channels is a likely metabolic step involved in this modulation. Another class of drug that modulates calcium channel gating is the 1,4-dihydropyridines which can either enhance or reduce ICa, either by prolonging the open state of the channels or by facilitating the inactivated state. Both effects depend strongly on membrane potential and are independent of cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation reactions.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Molecular elements of ion permeation and selectivity within calcium channels.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels are located in the plasma membrane and form a highly selective conduit by which Ca2+ ions enter all excitable cells and some nonexcitable cells. Extensive characterization studies have revealed the existence of one low (T) and five high-voltage-activated calcium channel types (L, N, P, Q, and R). The high voltage-activated calcium channels have been found to exist as heteromultimers, consisting of an alpha1, beta, alpha2/delta, and gamma subunit. Molecular cloning has revealed the existence of 10 channel transcripts, and expression of these cloned calcium channel genes has shown that basic voltage-activated calcium channel function is strictly carried by the corresponding alpha1 subunits. In turn, the auxiliary subunits serve to modulate calcium channel function by altering the voltage dependence of channel gating, kinetics, and current amplitude, thereby creating a likelihood for calcium channels with multiple properties. Although for calcium channels to be effective, Ca2+ ions must enter selectively through the pore of the alpha1-subunit, bypassing competition with other extracellular ions. The structural determinants of this highly selective Ca2+ filter reside within the four glutamic acid residues located at homologous positions within each of the four pore-forming segments. Together, these residues form a single or multiple Ca2+ affinity site(s) that entrap calcium ions, which are then electrostatically repulsed through the intracellular opening of the pore. This mechanism of high-selectivity calcium filtration, the spatial arrangement of pore glutamic acid residues, and the coordination chemistry of calcium binding are discussed in this review.

Calcium↗

Expression of the alpha1D subunit of the L-type voltage gated calcium channel in human liver.

Calcium channel blocker is useful for a variety of purposes and is effective for preventing hepatitis elicited by different inducers, suggesting its possible clinical application for treating hepatitis. The alpha1-subunit of the dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel is a target of calcium channel blocker. For clinical application of calcium channel blocker, it is important to analyze the expression of the L-type calcium channel in the liver. However, the subtype of the L-type calcium channel alpha1-subunit expressed in the liver was not known. In the present study, the alpha1-subunit of the calcium channel expressed in human liver was systematically analyzed. The alpha1D subunit of the dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type voltage gated calcium channel is expressed relatively strongly in the liver and may play an important role in the liver.

Calcium Channels, L-Type↗

Disappearance with ischaemic depolarization of the antifibrillatory activity in a sodium channel blocker and appearance in calcium channel blocker.

Results obtained in the prevention of ventricular fibrillation secondary to myocardial ischaemia are unexpected. Profibrillatory properties might be manifested by Class I antiarrhythmic drugs, normally antifibrillatory. Clear antifibrillatory properties might be manifested by calcium channel blockers, the antifibrillatory effects of which are normally questionable. Therefore, the action of a Class I antiarrhythmic drug, flecainide, and of a calcium channel blocker, verapamil, on the vulnerability to ischaemic ventricular fibrillation was assessed in anaesthetized, open-chest pigs by ventricular fibrillation threshold. Ventricular fibrillation threshold was determined with trains of diastolic stimuli of 100 msec duration, delivered at a rate of 180 beats/min (near that of the ventricular tachycardia), by a subepicardial electrode inserted into the area that could be subjected to ischaemia. Before determining this threshold, ventricles were paced at the same rate, particularly during the ischaemic periods. Ischaemia was produced by complete occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, either at its origin or half-way from it, over increasing periods. The monophasic action potential and conduction time were recorded in the ischaemic area. Before ischaemia, flecainide was adapted to rais the ventricular fibrillation threshold, in spite of a lengthening of the conduction time. Verapamil was devoid of any influence on these parameters. The antifibrillatory effect of flecainide disappeared with ischaemia, which reduced the ventricular fibrillation threshold down to near 0 mA, with triggering of the spontaneous fibrillation at this level: this reduction was no longer counteracted and even hastened by flecainide, becomes finally profibrillatory. Verapamil, on the contrary, delayed the fall in ventricular fibrillation threshold, maintained far from 0 mA, with prevention of fibrillation, unless the occlusion was maintained over a much longer period. Verapamil similarly delayed the shortening of the monophasic action potential duration and the lengthening of the conduction time, preceding fibrillation and leading to it. Consequently, ischaemic depolarization is apparently responsible for the loss of antifibrillatory activity in a sodium blocker, such as flecainide, and the development of antifibrillatory activity in a calcium blocker, since the sodium channel is activated only at high potentials, whereas the calcium channel is activated at lower potentials.

Animals↗

Effects of calcium channel agonist and antagonists on calcium-dependent events in CA1 hippocampal neurons.

The effects of a variety of calcium channel modulators on different calcium-dependent events in CA1 pyramidal hippocampal neurons were analysed using intracellular recordings in an in vitro slice preparation. The following substances were tested: the dihydropyridine calcium agonist BAY K 8644, the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nimodipine, the phenylalkylamine verapamil and the snail toxin omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx). BAY K 8644 increased the repolarization time of the after hyperpolarization (AHP) following a spike burst. This effect was antagonized by nimodipine. BAY K 8644 also prolonged the calcium spike and, in some cases, increased the size of the synaptic events resulting from activation of the Schaffer collateral/commissural system. Nimodipine decreased the size of the AHP in some neurons but had no consistent effect on synaptic events. Verapamil at low concentrations (1-10 microM) had no significant effects on the calcium-dependent events in the hippocampus. Increasing the concentration (up to 100 microM) led to a progressive suppression of the AHP and of the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), probably via an action on potassium conductances. In addition, the baclofen-induced hyperpolarization was blocked by verapamil. Interestingly, at this higher concentration, verapamil could suppress the AHP without depressing the calcium spike. omega-CgTx selectively blocked the synaptic events (especially the IPSPs) but had no effect on non-synaptic events. This last compound exhibits a high degree of selectivity, acting on N-type calcium channels which are involved in neurotransmitter release. Our results provide evidence that different classes of agents which act on calcium channels can be used to discriminate between different calcium-dependent responses in CA1 hippocampal neurons.

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

Calcium channel blockers inhibit cellular uptake of thymidine, uridine and leucine: the incorporation of these molecules into DNA, RNA and protein in the presence of calcium channel blockers is not a valid measure of lymphocyte activation.

An important role of transmembrane flux of calcium in lymphocyte activation has been previously demonstrated. Herein, we demonstrate that the calcium channel blockers verapamil and isradipine are able to inhibit in a concentration-dependent manner 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, verapamil and isradipine diminish PHA-stimulated thymidine incorporation into DNA to the same extent whether they are added at the beginning of culture or 4 h prior to completion of a 72-h culture. Thus, 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA in the presence of verapamil or isradipine is not a valid measure of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation. Similarly, verapamil and isradipine also inhibit PHA-stimulated incorporation of 3H-leucine into protein and 3H-uridine into RNA whether the drugs are added at the beginning of culture or 4 h prior to completion of 24-h cultures. There is no intracellular accumulation of 3H-thymidine, 3H-leucine, or 3H-uridine into 10% trichloroacetic acid-soluble molecules during inhibition with verapamil or isradipine, suggesting that these drugs impair the cellular uptake of these substances rather than directly inhibiting their incorporation into DNA, protein, or RNA, respectively. Since previous reports documenting the inhibitory effects of calcium channel blockers on lymphocyte proliferation have utilized 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA to measure proliferation, we have re-examined the antiproliferative effects of these drugs by determining their effect on PHA-stimulated cell cycle progression, employing cytofluorometric analysis of propidium iodide-stained cells. When added at the initiation of culture, both verapamil and isradipine inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner PHA-stimulated cell cycle progression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium Channel Blockers↗

Effects of calcium-channel blockers on cytosolic free calcium and amylase secretion in rat pancreatic acini.

We investigated the effects of verapamil and diltiazem on cytosolic free calcium and amylase secretion in rat pancreatic acini. Verapamil and diltiazem reduced a rise in cytosolic free calcium and amylase release stimulated by the maximal concentration (10(-5) M) of carbachol in a dose-dependent manner. High concentrations (500 microM) of verapamil and diltiazem inhibited both the initial and the sustained amylase secretion stimulated by 10(-5) M carbachol. However, at low concentration (1 microM), they showed no effect on amylase secretion by 10(-5) M carbachol. These calcium-channel blockers did not affect calcium mobilization and amylase secretion stimulated by either caerulein or neuromedin C. Binding of 3H-N-methylscopolamine to pancreatic acini was inhibited by verapamil and diltiazem in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggested that verapamil and diltiazem reduced carbachol-induced amylase secretion probably not due to their calcium-channel blocking activities but due to their non-competitive effects on the level of muscarinic receptors.

Amylases↗