A new calcium blocker, designated leualacin, has been isolated from Hapsidospora irregularis. The compound inhibits the binding of 3H-nitrendipine, a well known synthetic calcium blocker, to cardiac Ca channel in a competitive manner, although its structure is completely different from dihydropyridines.

Amlodipine overdose is only scarcely reported from India. We report two cases of near fatal Amlodipine overdose managed in our ICU with fluid, vasopressors, calcium infusion and Glucagon. Literature is reviewed and other treatment modalities discussed.

This paper reviews the evidence for calcium-antagonist properties of oestrogen which may offer long-term protective effects on the cardiovascular system in postmenopausal women. Oestrogen has already been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol metabolism and deposition, thereby inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and coronary atheroma. Calcium antagonism, resulting in b...

Hypertension is one of the most common conditions seen in primary care and a major public health problem in India. It can lead to various complications if not detected early and treated appropriately. As per the latest Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) the goal BP in most hypertensive patients age <60 years should be <140/90 mmHg and treatment can be started by selecting drugs from among ...

Individual skeletal muscle fibers in newborn vertebrates are innervated at a single endplate by several motor axons. During the first postnatal weeks, the polyneuronal innervation decreases in an activity-dependent process of synaptic elimination by axonal competition. Because synaptic activity depends strongly on the influx of calcium from the external media via presynaptic voltage-dependent c...

Calcium channels have been suggested to play a major role in the initiation of a large number of signal transduction processes in higher plant cells. However, molecular components of higher plant Ca2+ channels remain unidentified to date. Calcium channel blockers of the phenylalkylamine family and bepridil specifically inhibit Ca2+ influx into carrot (Daucus carota L.) cells. By using a phenyla...

BACKGROUND In several observational studies, patients prescribed calcium channel blockers had higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and mortality than those prescribed other antihypertensive medications. We explored these associations in the Nurses' Health Study. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 14 617 women who reported hypertension and regular use of diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channe...

Calcium channel and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists are common pharmaceutical agents with multiple overlapping clinical indications. When used appropriately, these agents are safe and efficacious. In overdose, however, these agents have the potential for serious morbidity. Calcium channel blockers and beta blockers share similar physiological effects on the cardiovascular system, such as h...