L-type Ca2+ channels mediate cardiovascular symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in humans.
The cardiovascular effects and plasma concentrations after intravenous verapamil injection (5 mg) were compared in seven alcohol dependents during alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) to those after resolution of these symptoms. At the onset of AWS, verapamil caused a bradycardiac response, which was absent after resolution of AWS. At the same period, a hypotensive effect of verapamil was weakened. No differences in verapamil plasma concentrations were observed between different periods. These results suggest that L-type Ca(2+) channels are involved in mediating cardiovascular symptoms of AWS.
Kähkönen
Seppo
S
BioMag Laboratory, Engineering Centre, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 340, Helsinki FIN-00029 HUS, Finland. Seppo.Kahkonen@helsinki.fi
Bondarenko
Boris B
BB
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000502:physiology*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014700:Verapamil
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol; D014700:Verapamil