The effect of diltiazem on noradrenaline release

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Abstract
The effects of diltiazem in rat tail arteries and guinea‐pig vasa deferentia have been investigated. Superfusion of the rat tail artery with diltiazem (10−6–10−4 M) resulted in a dose‐related increase in 3H‐overflow (P < 0.001) both in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Release of 3H by transmural stimulation (1 Hz, 2 ms, 10 V) was also much greater in vessels perfused with diltiazem; this effect was dose‐dependent. Diltiazem did not significantly alter the proportion of noradrenaline and its metabolites in 3H‐overflow, as analysed by column chromatography. In the vasa deferentia of guinea‐pigs, diltiazem (10−9–10−5 M) increased spontaneous 3H‐release. The results indicate that diltiazem acts on sympathetic nerves and causes the release of noradrenaline.