Interactions between calcium entry blocking drugs and carbonic anhydrase

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a crucial enzyme in physiological processes.
• Calcium entry blockers (CEBs) are widely used cardiovascular drugs.
• Understanding drug-enzyme interactions is vital for drug safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interactions between common calcium entry blocker drugs (CEBs) and carbonic anhydrase (CA).
• To evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of various CEB classes on CA activity.
• To explore the utility of electroanalytical methods in studying drug-enzyme interactions.

Main Methods:

• An electroanalytical approach was employed to study CEB-CA interactions.
• CO2 diffusion rates from buffered solutions were measured.
• Metabolic activity of yeast cells was monitored as an indicator of CA activity.
• Drugs tested included phenylalkylamines, dihydropyridines, benzothiazepines, and piperazines.

Main Results:

• Verapamil and gallopamil demonstrated significant inhibitory power against carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalytic activity.
• Other tested CEB compounds, including dihydropyridines, benzothiazepines, and piperazines, showed no discernible effect on CA activity under the experimental conditions.
• The electroanalytical methods effectively detected the inhibitory effects of specific CEBs on CA.

Conclusions:

• Verapamil and gallopamil possess notable carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties.
• The majority of common calcium entry blockers do not interact with or inhibit carbonic anhydrase.
• Electroanalytical techniques provide a sensitive platform for assessing drug-enzyme interactions, specifically for carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.