Inhibition of electrically induced seizures by a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker with high affinity for central dihydropyridine Ca2+ channels, produced a dose-dependent suppression of electrically induced seizures in the rabbit. Verapamil, a diphenylalkylamine which acts at peripheral Ca2+ channels, was ineffective. Phenytoin was less effective than nimodipine. These results suggest that calcium flux into neurons may be a biochemical precipitant for seizure genesis. Centrally acting calcium channel blockers may prove to be a new class of anticonvulsants.
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects*; D009553:Nimodipine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014700:Verapamil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
D007473:Ion Channels; D009553:Nimodipine; D010672:Phenytoin; D014700:Verapamil