title: Effects of calcium channel entry blockers on cocaine and amphetamine-induced motor activities and toxicities.
abstract: The effects of calcium channel entry blockers on cocaine and amphetamine-induced behavioral responses were investigated. Cocaine and amphetamine produced dose-dependent increases in locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior with a maximum response at 40 and 1.2 mg/kg, respectively. The 1,4-dihydropyridine nimodipine and the benzothiazepine diltiazem were more effective in inhibiting cocaine (20 mg/kg)-induced responses than amphetamine (0.6 mg/kg)-induced responses. At doses of cocaine and amphetamine that caused seizures and death, nimodipine, nitrendipine and diltiazem did not offer any protection; rather, they potentiated the toxicities produced by these psychomotor stimulants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ansah
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Shockley
mesh_terms: D000661:Amphetamine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003042:Cocaine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D000661:Amphetamine; D003042:Cocaine