Calcium channel antagonists modulate calcium by increasing magnesium influx: A hypothesis

✍ Scribed by Dr. R. B. Singh

• Book ID: 102817543
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1988
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 611 KB
• Volume: 13
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0272-4391
• DOI: 10.1002/ddr.430130102

✦ Synopsis

Singh, R.B.: Calcium channel antagonists modulate calcium by increasing magnesium influx: A hypothesis. Drug Dev. Res. 13:l-9, 1988.

Mg2+ and Ca" -channel blockers exert similar effects on the cardiovascular system. These agents havc been successfully used for treating hypertension and for protecting against myocardial ischaemia. The exact mechanism of action of Ca'+-blocking drugs, including verapamil, is unknown. It is proposed that Ca2 ' -blockers stimulate the Mg'+ transport system and Mg2+ diffusion into the cell, thereby enhancing Mg2+ influx. This, in turn, causes suppression of the slow inward Ca2+ current and fast inward Na+ current, resulting in decreased transport of Ca2+ and Na' . Ca*+-blockers might also influence outward K C and Mg2+ currents, thereby altering the shape and duration of the action potential. Since Mg" is involved in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the cardiovascular system, Mg2 + -mediated mechanisms of action for Ca2+ -antagonists appear possible.