Effects of calcium channel blockade in canine saphenous veins after storage at −190°C

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Abstract
1 Canine saphenous veins were investigated in vitro either within 24 h after removal or after storage at −190°C for 4–5 weeks in foetal calf serum containing 1.8 m dimethyl sulphoxide. 2 Contractions and 45Ca2+ uptake in response to both depolarization and guanfacine were studied in the absence and presence of the calcium channel antagonists diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine and the two stereoisomers of a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, namely the (+)−(S) enantiomer and the (−)−(R) enantiomer of 202–791 (isopropyl 4-(2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-l,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-5-nitro-3-pyridinecarboxylate). 3 Comparison of the data obtained on unfrozen and frozen/thawed veins revealed a good preservation of both contractile responsiveness and 45Ca2+ uptake mechanisms after storage at −190°C. 4 It is suggested that cryopreservation is a useful technique for storing venous smooth muscle for pharmacological studies.