Verapamil and the synthesis of prostacyclin in human veins

The synthesis of the vasodilator prostacyclin (PGI2) depends on the intracellular calcium concentration. For this reason the purpose of this study was to document the effects of verapamil (1), a slow calcium channel blocking agent on venous tissue. Human varicose veins were studied which were removed by a stripping operation. The veins were investigated ex vivo and in vitro. For ex vivo studies 11 patients were given 0.01 g 1 i.v. during the operation. In vitro experiments were carried out by an addition of 22 mumol/l 1 to the incubate. The synthesis of PGI2 was studied according to the inhibition of the ADP induced platelet aggregation without and with addition of substrate (prostaglandin endoperoxide H2). 1 did not induce changes in the synthesis of PGI2, neither after administration to patients nor after addition to the incubation fluid compared to control vessels without addition of 1.