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Alteration of the calcium content in inner hair cells of the cochlea of the guinea pig after acute noise trauma with and without application of the organic calcium channel blocker diltiazem.

Calcium ions are known to be important to the process of signal transduction across the apical and basal sides of the inner hair cells. Calcium channel antagonists have been demonstrated by light microscopy to provide protection against acoustic trauma. To evaluate the protective effect of calcium channel blocker on the inner ear cells to noise exposure, the amount of the histochemical reaction products formed in the cytoplasm of the inner hair cells of the guinea pig after application of pyroantimonate was measured by an image processing system connected to an energy-filtering transmission electron microscope (EFTEM). Compared to untreated control specimens (experimental animal group I) the amount of precipitable calcium had clearly increased in the inner hair cells of noise-exposed cochleae 60 h after an acute noise trauma (group III). In addition, small electron- lucent areas could be identified in the cytoplasm of the hair cells probably representing damage to the cellular fine structure. When the calcium channel blocker diltiazem was administered without any additional noise exposure the calcium content was drastically reduced in the inner hair cells (group II), but when the antagonist was given before and after acute noise trauma (group IV), the calcium content in the inner hair cells was nearly compared to the amount determined in the untreated group of animals. The role of diltiazem is discussed in respect of tissue protection and to the maintenance of the calcium-dependent physiological processes in the inner hair cells during signal transduction.

Acute Disease↗

Treatment of poisoning caused by beta-adrenergic and calcium-channel blockers.

PURPOSE: The toxic effects and treatment of beta-adrenergic blocker and calcium-channel blocker (CCB) overdose are reviewed. SUMMARY: Overdoses with cardiovascular drugs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Beta-blockers and CCBs represent the most important classes of cardiovascular drugs. In overdose, beta-blockers and CCBs have similar presentation and treatment overlaps and are often refractory to standard resuscitation measures. The common feature of beta-blocker toxicity is excessive blockade of the beta-receptors resulting in bradycardia and hypotension. Poisoning by CCBs is characterized by cardiovascular toxicity with hypotension and conduction disturbances, including sinus bradycardia and varying degrees of atrioventricular block. Therapies include beta-agonists, glucagon, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. However, in beta-blocker poisoning where symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension are present, high-dose glucagon is considered the first-line antidote. Traditionally, antidotes for CCB overdose have included calcium, glucagon, adrenergic drugs, and amrinone. For cases of CCB poisoning where cardiotoxicity is evident, first-line therapy is a combination of calcium and epinephrine; high-dose insulin with supplemental dextrose and potassium therapy (HDIDK) is reserved for refractory cases. Health-system pharmacists should be aware that when these drugs are used as antidotes, higher than normal dosing is needed. CONCLUSION: Poisoning by beta-blockers or CCBs usually produces hypotension and bradycardia, which may be refractory to standard resuscitation measures. For cases of beta-blocker poisoning where symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension are present, high-dose glucagon is considered the first-line antidote. For cases of CCB poisoning where cardiotoxicity is evident, a combination of calcium and epinephrine should be used initially, reserving HDIDK for refractory cases.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

The action of calcium channel blockers on recombinant L-type calcium channel alpha1-subunits.

1. CHO cells expressing the alpha(1C-a) subunit (cardiac isoform) and the alpha(1C-b) subunit (vascular isoform) of the voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel were used to investigate whether tissue selectivity of Ca2+ channel blockers could be related to different affinities for alpha1C isoforms. 2. Inward current evoked by the transfected alpha1 subunit was recorded by the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration. 3. Neutral dihydropyridines (nifedipine, nisoldipine, (+)-PN200-110) were more potent inhibitors of alpha(1C-)b-subunit than of alpha(1C-a)-subunit. This difference was more marked at a holding potential of -100 mV than at -50 mV. SDZ 207-180 (an ionized dihydropyridine) exhibited the same potency on the two isoforms. 4. Pinaverium (ionized non-dihydropyridine derivative) was 2 and 4 fold more potent on alpha(1C-a) than on alpha(1C-b) subunit at Vh of -100 mV and -50 mV, respectively. Effects of verapamil were identical on the two isoforms at both voltages. 5. [3H]-(+)-PN 200-110 binding experiments showed that neutral dihydropyridines had a higher affinity for the alpha(1C-b) than for the alpha(1C-a) subunit. SDZ 207-180 had the same affinity for the two isoforms and pinaverium had a higher affinity for the alpha(1C-a) subunit than for the alpha(1C-b) subunit. 6. These results indicate marked differences among Ca2+ channel blockers in their selectivity for the alpha(1C-a) and alpha(1C-b) subunits of the Ca2+ channel.

Animals↗

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of a beta-blocker, a calcium channel blocker, and a converting enzyme inhibitor in hypertensive blacks.

A double-blind, positively controlled, forced dose titration study comparing the efficacy and safety of atenolol, captopril, and verapamil sustained release as single agents in the treatment of black patients with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure, 95 to 114 mm Hg) was conducted. A total of 394 patients were randomized to one of the three therapies. Mean blood pressures during a 2- to 4-week placebo treatment period (baseline) ranged from 100.4 to 100.7 mm Hg diastolic and 151.7 to 152.5 mm Hg systolic for the three groups. Of the patients, 355 (of whom 345 had assessable data) completed the first treatment period, which consisted of therapy with either 50 mg/d of atenolol, 25 mg every 12 hours of captopril, or 240 mg/d of verapamil sustained release. During the second 4-week treatment period, which 319 patients completed (307 assessable), half of the patients had their antihypertensive medication increased and the other half continued the same dose. Goal blood pressure was defined as a supine diastolic pressure of less than 90 mm Hg or a 10-mm Hg or greater drop in supine diastolic blood pressure from pretreatment levels. Atenolol, captopril, and verapamil sustained release therapy was associated with goal blood pressure achievement during the first treatment period 55.1%, 43.8%, and 65.2% of the time, respectively, and during the second treatment period 59.6%, 57.1%, and 73.0% of the time. Side effects were minimal and comparable for all three drugs.

Adult↗

A 75-kDa polypeptide, located primarily at the plasma membrane of carrot cell-suspension cultures, is photoaffinity labeled by the calcium channel blocker LU 49888.

Calcium channel blockers of the phenylalkylamine family bind specifically to membranes and inhibit calcium uptake in carrot protoplast. LU 49888, an azido derivative of phenylalkylamine, behaves as its unmodified homolog in terms of affinity and specificity and therefore allows us to probe the receptor by photoaffinity labeling. Upon UV irradiation, a 75-kDa peptide was specifically labeled. Incubation of microsomes with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate, a zwitterionic detergent, led to the solubilization of the LU 49888-binding protein. Electrophoretic analysis under denaturing conditions and gel filtration of the solubilized "receptor-ligand" complex show a 75-kDa peptide mainly located at the plasma membrane. Consequently the LU 49888-binding protein in plants differs significantly from its animal counterpart by its size and may be a primary target for external signal molecules.

Journal Article↗

Do calcium channel blockers increase the risk of cancer?

Calcium channel blockers can block calcium signals that trigger cell differentiation and apoptosis, which are important mechanisms of cancer growth regulation. To ascertain whether calcium channel blocker use was associated with an increased risk of cancer, 750 hypertensive persons age > or = 71 years, with no history of cancer at baseline, were followed from 1988 through 1992. The patients were using either beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers (verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem; mainly of the short-acting variety). Compared to beta-blockers (n = 424, 28 events), after adjusting for age, gender, race, smoking, body mass index, and number of hospital admissions not related with cancer, the relative risks of cancer (95% confidence interval) for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (n = 124, 6 events) and calcium channel blockers (n = 202, 27 events) were 0.73 (0.30 to 1.78) and 2.02 (1.16 to 3.54), respectively. These findings indicate that calcium channel blocker therapy might increase the risk of cancer. New data are needed in patients using modern calcium channel blocker agents with more gradual absorption. This report should encourage further study of cancer outcomes in elderly patients who are vulnerable to cancer and who are receiving calcium channel blockers.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Comparative pharmacological properties among calcium channel blockers: T-channel versus L-channel blockade.

Calcium antagonists are potent vasodilators and are widely used in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. The currently available compounds belong to three classes: (1) dihydropyridines (e.g. nifedipine, amlodipine and felodipine), (2) phenylalkylamines (e.g. verapamil) and (3) benzothiazepines (e.g. diltiazem). The three classes differ in their pharmacological profile and safety. For example, verapamil and diltiazem lower heart rate, while dihydropyridines increase it or leave it unchanged. With most of the latter compounds, a marked activation of the sympathetic nervous system has been noted. Most compounds exhibit negative inotropic effects, particularly the first-generation molecules, which is disadvantageous in patients with impaired left-ventricular function. The most common side effects of these drugs are flushing, headache and edema. With verapamil, constipation may represent a problem in certain patients. Hence, in spite of a large number of calcium antagonists available, there remains a need for new compounds with enhanced efficacy and improved tolerability. A new compound should lack any negative inotropism, avoid any increase in sympathetic outflow or heart rate and exhibit a high degree of vascular selectivity. Furthermore, a low incidence of side effects, particularly ankle edema and optimal pharmacokinetics allowing once-daily dosing would be desirable. Mibefradil is a new calcium antagonist with promising pharmacological and clinical properties. The compound has a high bioavailability, lacks negative inotropic effects at therapeutic concentrations, does not exhibit reflex tachycardia during vasodilation and actually slightly decreases heart rate. It is a potent direct vasodilator efficacious in hypertension and chronic angina pectoris, elicits endothelium-dependent relaxations and facilitates the effects of nitric oxide in vascular smooth muscle. The drug is a particularly efficacious vasodilator in intramyocardial coronary arteries which may be important for its anti-ischemic effects and the lack of steal in the coronary circulation. Furthermore, mibefradil has antiproliferative properties in human vascular smooth muscle cells in culture. As a unique property, mibefradil blocks T-type calcium channels and hence represents a new class of calcium channel blockers. In patients with hypertension, mibefradil has a high efficacy in controlling blood pressure. The drug does not cause constipation and has a low incidence of ankle edema. A large trial is under way to further delineate the properties of this new calcium antagonist in patients with heart failure.

Animals↗

The influence of nifedipine (calcium channel blocker) and Bay-K-8644 (calcium channel agonist) on the development of experimental acute pancreatitis.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the influence of nifedipine (calcium channel blocker) and Bay-K-8644 (calcium channel agonist) on cerulein acute pancreatitis (AP) in rats. AP was induced according to the Lampel and Kern method (1) by the continuous intravenous infusion of cerulein in the doses of 5 x 10(-6) g/kg/h for 12 hours. There was obtained a statistically significant decrease in serum amylase activity and pancreatic weight in the groups treated with higher doses of nifedipine before infusion of the cerulein compared with rats treated only with cerulein. However, in the group treated with Bay-K-8644 before infusion of cerulein statistically significant increase was obtained in serum amylase activity and pancreatic weight compared with the group treated only with cerulein. The investigations suggest a beneficial effect of higher doses of nifedipine on cerulein induced AP. The inflammatory changes in the pancreas in the groups treated with nifedipine observed under the light microscope were smaller than in the group treated only with cerulein.

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

Direct effects of calcium channel blockers on duodenal calcium transport in vivo.

The direct effects of verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine on duodenal calcium transport were assessed in rats by the in vivo ligated loop technique, using luminal calcium concentrations at which active and passive transport mechanisms predominate (2 and 50 mM Ca, respectively). At 2 mM Ca, addition of verapamil (0.3-10 mM) to the luminal solution caused a concentration-dependent decrease in calcium lumen-to-plasma uptake and an increase in calcium plasma-to-lumen translocation, such that at 10 mM verapamil there was a net secretion of calcium into the duodenal lumen. In contrast, nifedipine (0.3-3 mM) was without effect on calcium transport, and diltiazem reduced calcium lumen-to-plasma uptake and net calcium absorption only at 10 mM, without influencing plasma-to-lumen translocation. The verapamil-induced increase in calcium plasma-to-lumen translocation was abolished by bile duct ligation. Calcium transport was unaffected by any calcium channel blocker at 50 mM luminal calcium. Thus, verapamil can directly influence active calcium translocation in the intestine, in vivo, and may affect calcium homeostasis during chronic oral treatment with this drug.

Animals↗

Influence of calcium-channel blockers on platelet function and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Available data indicate that platelet function and arachidonic acid metabolism are important factors in hemostasis and regulation of vascular tone. Plasma membrane and intracellular mobilization of calcium ions are intimately related to platelet activation and release of platelet contents. Release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids as well as subsequent synthesis and release of vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 are also regulated by movement of calcium ions. Adenosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate in turn controls levels of free calcium ions in platelets and regulates calcium-dependent reactions. Slow-channel calcium blockers, such as verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine, inhibit platelet activation in vitro, and decrease platelet adhesion intravascularly. These agents have also been shown to decrease platelet nucleotide release and thromboxane A2 generation. Some preliminary data suggest that calcium blockers also increase generation of vasodilator and platelet antiaggregant prostacyclin, which could contribute to decrease in platelet function. These effects of calcium blockers on platelet function and arachidonic acid metabolism could contribute in part to their efficacy in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Animals↗

Hemodynamic effects of calcium channel blockers in essential hypertension.

Calcium channel blockers decrease blood pressure in essential hypertension due to a marked reduction of systemic vascular resistance (arteriolar tone). They also dilate conducting arteries but have no venodilatory effect in antihypertensive doses. With the dihydropyridines (e.g. nifedipine) and diltiazem there is a transient increase in heart rate and cardiac output but this is not observed with verapamil. The vasodilatory responsiveness in the resistance vessels to calcium channel blockers is selectively enhanced in patients with established essential hypertension but not in the early borderline phase of hypertension. During treatment with chlorthalidone, atenolol, acebutolol or nitrendipine for four to six weeks the reduction of blood pressure is accompanied by a selective decrease in the vasodilatory responsiveness to calcium channel blockers.

Blood Pressure↗

[Reversal by the calcium ion of the pain threshold elevated by calcium channel blockers].

We investigated calcium ion effects on pain thresholds by iontophoresis in healthy adult volunteers. The pain thresholds were measured by the pain thermometer to evaluate the effect of iontophoresis. At first, one of calcium channel blockers (nicardipine, verapamil or diltiazem) was administered by iontophoresis with 1.0 mA for 10 minutes. Then, next to calcium channel blockers, calcium chloride or saline was locally administered after the elevation of pain threshold had been recognized and the pain threshold had been measured again. Calcium ion decreased the elevation of pain threshold significantly, but saline had no effect. These results suggest that not only sodium channel but also calcium channel influences pain mechanism during iontophoresis.

Adult↗

Effects of a mononitrate, a beta1-blocker and a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker on cardiovascular responsiveness to passive orthostasis: a placebo-controlled double-blind study in normotensive volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the influences of antianginal drugs such as mononitrate, beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker on cardiovascular responsiveness to orthostasis. METHODS: The responses to passive orthostasis (tilt provocation at 60 degrees for 3 min) were measured in normotensive healthy volunteers with whole-body impedance cardiography and finger blood-pressure monitoring after a single moderate oral dose of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (CAS 16051-77-7, 10 mg), the beta1-blocker bisoprolol fumarate (CAS 104344-23-2, 5 mg), the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nisoldipine (CAS 63675-72-9, 5 mg), and placebo in a randomised, double-blind fashion. RESULTS: In supine position, none of the drugs altered pre-tilt arterial pressure or heart rate (HR) when compared to placebo. Nisoldipine decreased systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) when compared to either placebo or bisoprolol, and increased the cardiac index (CI) when compared to placebo. During the passive orthostasis, the mononitrate decreased SVRI when compared to placebo or bisoprolol. The mononitrate increased HR and pulse wave velocity (PWV) when compared to the other study groups, and decreased the stroke index when compared to placebo. In the bisoprolol group, the tilt responses of diastolic arterial pressure, HR, CI, left cardiac work index, and PWV decreased significantly compared to those in the placebo group. Nisoldipine did not alter the responses to orthostasis when compared to placebo. When compared to the mononitrate, both nisoldipine and bisoprolol decreased CI response to orthostasis. CONCLUSIONS: The mononitrate adversely affects the cardiovascular responsiveness to orthostasis. The beta-blocker reduces the responses and thus probably oxygen demand during orthostasis. The dihydropyridine calcium blocker seems to influence the responsiveness less than the mononitrate or beta-blocker.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

Use of digoxin, diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers in older patients in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of and indications for digoxin use and the prevalence of beta blocker and calcium channel blocker use in older patients with previous myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease (CAD), and the prevalence of use of diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers in older patients with hypertension in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts from 528 unselected older patients, seen from June 1995 through July 1996 at an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice, was performed to investigate the prevalence of digoxin use and indications for digoxin use, the prevalence of beta blocker and calcium channel blocker use in older patients with previous myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease (CAD), and the prevalence of use of diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers in older patients with hypertension. SETTING: An academic hospital-based, primary care geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and full-time faculty geriatricians. PATIENTS: A total of 416 women and 112 men, mean age 81 +/- 8 years (range 58 to 101), were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-two of the 528 patients (17%) were taking digoxin. Recorded indications for digoxin were atrial fibrillation with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) in 39% of patients, CHF with sinus rhythm and abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in 18% of patients, a clinical assessment of CHF with sinus rhythm and no recorded measurement of LVEF in 20% of patients, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 14% of patients, and coronary artery disease (CAD) in 9% of patients. Of 121 patients with previous myocardial infarction, 23 (19%) were prescribed beta blockers, and 54 (45%) were taking calcium channel blockers. Of 173 patients with CAD, 41 (24%) were treated with beta blockers, and 79 (46%) were taking calcium channel blockers. LVEF was not recorded in the charts of 90 of 121 patients (74%) with prior myocardial infarction and of 125 of 173 patients (72%) with CAD. Of 480 older patients with hypertension, 154 (37%) were treated with diuretics, 55 (13%) were treated with beta blockers, 160 (38%) were treated with ACE inhibitors, and 197 (47%) were treated with calcium channel blockers. CONCLUSIONS: In 528 older patients seen in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice, the prevalence of digoxin use was 19%. Appropriate indications for digoxin were documented clearly in the charts of 53 of 92 patients (57%). Calcium channel blockers were used more often than beta blockers in patients with previous myocardial infarction or CAD. Calcium channel blockers were the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Calcium channel blockers in myocardial infarction.

Calcium channel blockers are currently approved for use in patients with arrhythmias, stable and unstable angina pectoris, and systemic hypertension. The hemodynamic and electrophysiologic properties of these agents suggest that their use would be appropriate in both the immediate and the long-term management of patients who suffered a myocardial infarction. Some experimental evidence accumulated from animal models supports the ability of these drugs to reduce both myocardial infarct size and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. The clinical trials with these drugs, however, have yielded disappointing results. Some data suggest a role of diltiazem therapy in reducing the incidence of transmural wall infarction and angina in those patients sustaining non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions. In the setting of Q-wave infarction, calcium channel blockers seem to be less effective than beta-blockade both for acute and long-term management. Finally, calcium channel blockers appear to be contraindicated in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction and who have concomitant left ventricular dysfunction.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗

Evolving role of calcium channel blockers in heart failure.

Calcium channel blockers are theoretically effective in the treatment of chronic systolic heart failure because of their actions as arteriolar dilators, antiischemic agents, and relaxants of diastolic left ventricular function, and because they may prevent progression of myocardial dysfunction. The first-generation calcium channel blockers nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem cause hemodynamic and clinical deterioration and may increase the frequency of cardiac events in postmyocardial infarction patients with heart failure. These drugs depress left ventricular contractility in the short term, and can activate neurohormonal systems due to their hypotensive effects. The second-generation calcium channel blocker felodipine does not activate the sympathetic nervous and renin-angiotensin systems, but has no effect on exercise capacity or mortality. Amlodipine increases exercise time and reduces symptoms and plasma norepinephrine concentration in heart failure. It also reduces morbidity and mortality in New York Heart Association class i.v. patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and appears to be effective as primary therapy for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗

Acute antihypertensive effects of calcium channel blockers are not affected by calcium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension.

The study was designed to investigate whether the acute antihypertensive effects of calcium channel blockers are affected by calcium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension. The antihypertensive effects of calcium channel blockers (oral manidipine or intravenous nicardipine) were studied before and during calcium supplementation (1200 mg/day for 8 weeks) in 30 hospitalized patients with essential hypertension. The averages of systolic and diastolic blood pressure during a 24-hour period were not decreased by calcium supplementation. The acute antihypertensive effects of the calcium channel blockers nicardipine (0.25, 0.5, 1.5, 2.0 micrograms/kg/min, intravenous infusion) or manidipine (20 mg, once a day, orally) were not enhanced by calcium supplementation. Thus, calcium channel blockers can be safely combined with calcium supplementation in terms of blood pressure.

Administration, Oral↗

Calcium channel blockers in systemic hypertension.

Calcium channel blockers selectively inhibit transmembrane flux of calcium in excitable tissue. Their ability to block calcium-mediated electromechanical coupling in contractile tissue produces peripheral vasodilation and has led to their clinical use in patients with systemic hypertension. The drugs appear to be well tolerated and have excellent safety profiles. Sustained-release preparations allow the drugs to be used once or twice daily. The calcium channel blockers will play an important role in the management of patients with mild, moderate, and severe hypertension when used as monotherapy or when combined with other antihypertensive medications. They can also be used in patients with concomitant diseases, such as angina pectoris and arrhythmia.

Angina Pectoris↗