Dopamine release is enhanced while acetylcholine release is inhibited by nimodipine (Bay e 9736)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The calcium‐channel ligand, nimodipine (Bay e 9736), in submicromolar concentrations (10‐7 to 10‐5 M), enhanced the potassium (25 mM) or electrical stimulation (1 Hz, 1 ms, 180 pulses) evoked release or [3H]dopamine from rat striatal slices, while it inhibited the release of [3H]acetylcholine. Nimodipine had similar effects on slices from the cerebral cortex loaded with [3H]dopamine or [3H]acetylcholine, the electrical stimulation evoked release of the catecholamine was enhanced, while release of f3H]acetylcholine was suppressed. The data indicate that nimodipine may distinguish between Ca2+channels in dopaminergic and cholinergic nerve‐terminals. The simultaneous elevation of dopamine release and suppression of acetylcholine release may prove useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.