[Effects of flunarizine on T-type calcium channels in mouse spermatogenic cells].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of Flunarizine (Flu) on T-type calcium currents (ICaT) in spermatogenic cells.


METHODS
Ca2+ currents were obtained in acutely dissociated mouse spermatogenic cells using whole-cell patch clamp technique and the effects of Flu on ICaT were observed.


RESULTS
Flu of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 micromol/L inhibited ICaT in mouse spermatogenic cells significantly with the K50 value of 0.289 micromol/L (P < 0.05). With the holding potential at -90 mV and stimulating potential at -30 mV, the inhibition rates of Flu were (23.34 +/- 2.76)%, (46.04 +/- 3.52)%, (62.52 +/- 3.70)% and (73.52 +/- 3.12)%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Flu has significant inhibitory effects on ICaT in mouse spermatogenic cells, with concentration dependence. Ca(v)3.2 is the main contributor to T-type Ca2+ currents in spermatogenic cells.
Wang
Chang-song
CS
Institute of Applied Toxicology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
Gao
Xiao-hua
XH
Cheng
Hong
H
Gong
Wei
W
Zhang
Xi-chun
XC
Cheng
Jie
J
Gao
Rong
R
Xiao
Hang
H
D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005444:Flunarizine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D013087:Spermatids / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type; D005444:Flunarizine