[Effects of ketamine on voltage-dependent Ca2+ current in single smooth muscle cells from rabbit portal vein]

The effects of ketamine on membrane potentials and voltage-dependent Ca2+ current were studied in dispersed single smooth muscle cells from rabbit portal vein. The resting membrane potential (-56.2 +/- 1.5mV) was not affected by ketamine (10(-5)-10(-3)M). The duration and the amplitude of the action potential evoked by intracellular stimulation were significantly decreased by ketamine in the concentrations of 10(-4)M and 10(-3)M. Voltage-gated Ca2+ current in single smooth muscle cells was apparently decreased by ketamine at concentrations of between 10(-5)M to 10(-3)M. The activation threshold of Ca2+ current (approx. -30mV) was also decreased by ketamine. Therefore, these results suggest that inhibition of the contractile response by ketamine in vascular smooth muscle from rabbit portal vein may be attributable to the inhibition of the Ca2+ current.