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Effects of diltiazem in convulsive states differ from those previously reported for dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists

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Abstract

Unlike the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists studied previously, the benzothiazepine calcium channel antagonist, diltiazem, increased the incidence of convulsions caused by bicuculline,N-methyl-DL-aspartate or 4-aminopyridine. However, the latencies to convulsions were also increased. Diltiazem increased the ratings of convulsive behaviour on handling after intraperitoneal administration of bicuculline, or pentyl-enetetrazol and after the calcium channel activator, Bay K 8644, administered ICV. When the binding of the dihydropyridine, [3H]-nitrendipine in the CNS was measured in vivo, this was increased by diltiazem. This compound therefore showed a different pattern of interaction with convulsant drugs then that previously demonstrated for other calcium channel antagonists, appearing to possess both pro- and anticonvulsant actions, and a different pattern of interaction with the dihydropyridine receptor complex.

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  1. Pharmacology Department, The Medical School, University Walk, BS8 1TD, Bristol, UK

    W. P. Watson & H. J. Little

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  1. W. P. Watson
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  2. H. J. Little
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Watson, W.P., Little, H.J. Effects of diltiazem in convulsive states differ from those previously reported for dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists. Psychopharmacology 114, 321–328 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02244855

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02244855

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