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Antitussive effect of diltiazem in experimental conditions
1Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia. franova@jfmed.uniba.sk
Background:
Cough is the most important defence reflex of the airways. Little information exists about participation of the ion channels in the mechanism of the cough reflex.
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of diltiazem administration on the sensitivity of the mechanically induced cough reflex in experimental conditions.
Methods:
Mechanical stimulation of the laryngopharyngeal and tracheobronchial area of the airways in non-anaesthetized cats was used in this experiment. The number of cough efforts, and the frequency and intensity of the cough attack were utilized as evaluated parameters.
Results:
Perorally administered diltiazem (30 mg/kg b.w.) caused a statistically significant decrease of measured cough parameters. Cough - suppressing activity of diltiazem was lower than codeine, but higher than dropropizine and prenoxdiazine.
Conclusion:
Experimental results showed antitussive activity of the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem and suggested the role of voltage-gated calcium channels of type L in mechanism of the cough reflex. (Fig. 4, Ref. 15.).
