title: Influence of pHo on calcium channel block by amlodipine, a charged dihydropyridine compound. Implications for location of the dihydropyridine receptor.
abstract: We have investigated the modulation of L-type calcium channel currents in isolated ventricular cells by the dihydropyridine derivative amlodipine, a weak base with a pKa of 8.6. Under conditions that favor neutral drug molecules, amlodipine block resembles other, previously described, neutral dihydropyridine derivatives: block is more pronounced at depolarized voltages, repetitive pulsing is not needed to promote block, and recovery is complete at hyperpolarized voltages. When the drug is ionized, depolarized voltages still enhance block, however, the time course is slow and speeded by repetitive pulses that open channels. Recovery from block by ionized drug molecules is very slow and incomplete, but can be rapidly modified by changes in external hydrogen ion concentration. We conclude from these observations that the degree of ionization of the drug molecule can affect access to the dihydropyridine receptor and that external protons can interact with the drug-receptor complex even if channels are blocked and closed. These observations place limitations on the location of this receptor in the ventricular cell membrane.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14642.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kass
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Arena
mesh_terms: D017311:Amlodipine; D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015220:Calcium Channels; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009206:Myocardium / Q000166:cytology*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D017311:Amlodipine; D009543:Nifedipine