In trachealis bathed by a K+‐rich, Ca2+‐free physiological salt solution, calcium chloride (CaCl2) at 0.01 to 10 mmol l−1 evoked concentration‐dependent spasm. Verapamil (0.1 to 10 μmol l−1) was an effective antagonist of CaCl2. Spasm evoked by acetylcholine, histamine, potassium chloride (KCl) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) was studied in trachealis bathed by normal Krebs solution. Verapamil (0.1 to 10 μmol l−1) markedly suppressed spasm evoked by KCl and TEA. In contrast the actions of acetylcholine and histamine were much less affected by verapamil. Spasm evoked by prostaglandin E2 was studied in trachealis bathed by Krebs solution containing indomethacin (2.8 μmol l−1). Verapamil (0.1 to 10 μmol l−1) had little or no effect against prostaglandin E2‐induced spasm. Verapamil (0.1 to 10 μmol l−1) had relatively little effect on the tone of trachealis bathed by normal Krebs solution. In contrast bathing in Krebs solution lacking CaCl2 caused almost complete tone loss. Extracellular electrophysiological recording showed that verapamil (10 μmol l−1) suppressed not only TEA‐evoked spasm but also TEA‐evoked slow waves and spike potentials. Verapamil also abolished the transient period of slow wave activity associated with the spasm evoked by KCl. Intracellular electrophysiological recording showed that TEA‐induced spike activity was resistant to tetrodotoxin (3 μmol l−1). However, verapamil (10 μmol l−1) abolished the tetrodotoxin‐resistant spikes without increasing the resting membrane potential. It is concluded that verapamil suppresses TEA‐ or KCl‐induced spasm, slow waves or spikes by inhibition of Ca2+ influx. Spasm evoked by acetylcholine, histamine and prostaglandin E2 depends on mechanisms for increasing the cytoplasmic concentration of free Ca2+ which are resistant to verapamil. The failure of verapamil markedly to depress tissue tone is consistent with the proposal that tone results from the activity of endogenous prostaglandins.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.