INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF PROPRANOLOL ON THE CALCIUM CURRENT OF Helix NEURONES

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
1 Calcium current (ICa) and potassium current (IK) in isolated nerve cell bodies of Helix aspersa were independently separated after suppression of Na+ and K+ currents, and Na+ and Ca2+ currents, respectively. The suction pipette method was used. Under voltage clamp conditions, the effects of propranolol on both the ICa and IK were examined. 2 Propranolol inhibits the ICa at relatively low concentrations (10−6-10−5m). The inhibitory action was dose-dependent. 3 The IK was moderately suppressed by the drug at high concentrations (10−5-5 × 10−4m). 4 Results provide evidence for a new aspect of the pharmacological action of propranolol on the excitable cell membrane.