EFFECTS OF VERAPAMIL ON CENTRAL & PERIPHERAL AIRWAY FUNCTION OF GUINEA PIGS

Abstract

Introduction: Calcium ions play an important patho-physiological role in
allergic reactions. It is therefore likely, Ca++ antagonist, Verapamil may modify the allergic broncho-pulmunary
responses. Isolated preparations were used to examine the direct action of the Verapamil on bronchial and pulmonary
smooth muscles. Material and Methods: The bronchial spirals and the lung parenchymal strips were prepared that
enabled the investigation of the action of agents on peripheral and central airways in the same species and compare
the responses. To observe the effects on ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs bronchial and lung parenchymal tissue after
10 minutes exposure of verapamil in different concentration and to evaluate the antagonistic / inhibitory effect on
antigen induced contractile responses. Results: The data showed that inhibition of antigen induced response with
verapamil was better in central airways than to peripheral airways smooth muscle. Conclusion: Concluded from this
study that verapamil can influence both central and peripheral airway function by modulating antigen induced bronchoconstriction;
however, it leaves query regarding the importance of this activity in clinical set up.