Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Method for Identifying Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Protein-protein Interaction Between HCN1 and TRIP8b
10:20

Method for Identifying Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Protein-protein Interaction Between HCN1 and TRIP8b

Published on: November 11, 2016

9.0K

A systematic review of calcium channel antagonists in bipolar disorder and some considerations for their future

A Cipriani1,2, K Saunders1,2, M-J Attenburrow1,2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Molecular Psychiatry
|June 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

L-type calcium channel (LTCC) antagonists show no efficacy for acute mania treatment. Despite genetic links to bipolar disorder, current evidence does not support their use, necessitating further research into targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • L-type calcium channel (LTCC) antagonists have a long history in bipolar disorder treatment, yet remain unestablished therapies.
  • Recent discoveries link LTCC genes to the genetic basis of bipolar disorder and related phenotypes, renewing interest in these drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the efficacy of LTCC antagonists in treating and preventing bipolar disorder.
  • To evaluate the current evidence and discuss future directions for LTCC antagonist development in bipolar disorder.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a systematic review of 23 eligible studies.
  • Focused on six randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials investigating verapamil in acute mania.

Main Results:

  • No evidence was found for the effectiveness of verapamil in treating acute mania.
  • Data on other LTCC antagonists and illness phases are limited to observational studies, precluding robust conclusions.

Conclusions:

  • Despite genetic evidence for calcium signaling dysfunction in bipolar disorder, LTCC antagonists lack proven efficacy.
  • Future development should focus on brain-selective LTCC ligands and personalized approaches using genetic and molecular data for improved bipolar disorder pharmacotherapy.

More Related Videos

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder04:42

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder

Published on: May 2, 2025

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
1.5K
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers01:20

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
2.6K
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine01:25

Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine

Angina pectoris, a primary symptom of ischemic heart disease, requires careful pharmacological interventions. In this context, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ranolazine have emerged as crucial pharmacotherapeutic agents, providing deep insights into the complexities of angina management.
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
1.8K
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers01:18

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium ions are essential to contract smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. They enter these cells through voltage-dependent calcium channels, specifically L-type calcium channels in the cell membrane. These L-type calcium channels are integral to the excitation-contraction coupling process in smooth muscle. When a stimulus is received by smooth muscle cells, their membrane depolarizes. This alteration in membrane potential instigates the opening of L-type calcium channels. As a result,...
2.1K
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers01:22

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers

Class I antiarrhythmic drugs are used to treat various types of arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms. These drugs block the sodium (Na+) channels in the cardiac cells, thereby affecting the movement of electrical impulses across the heart. Class I antiarrhythmic drugs are divided into three subgroups: Class IA, Class IB, and Class IC, each with distinct mechanisms of action and effects on the heart.
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
4.0K
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
745