Ethanol-induced component of 45Ca2+ uptake in PC12 cells is sensitive to Ca2+ channel modulating drugs

We compared the properties of depolarization-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake in PC12 cells grown with and without 200 mM ethanol for 6 days. Ethanol exposure increased 45Ca2+ uptake by 54%, but the ethanol-induced component of uptake retained properties of Ca2+ flux through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, including sensitivity to Ca2+ channel modulating drugs. Such drugs may therefore have a role in counteracting ionic events underlying ethanol dependence and withdrawal.