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Updated: Aug 22, 2025
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Amlodipine and Diltiazem Significantly Repress Human Rotavirus Infection In Vitro
Pegah Khales1, Hossein Keyvani1, Angila Ataei-Pirkooh1
1Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Considering the role of calcium in the replication and morphogenesis of rotaviruses, it is hypothesized that decreased cytosolic calcium levels by using calcium channel blockers can subsequently interfere with rotavirus replication.
Objective:
The present study investigated the effects of two calcium ion channel blockers, amlodipine and diltiazem, against human rotavirus infection.
Methods:
Cytotoxic effects of the drugs on MA-104 cells were evaluated using the neutral red assay. The effects of amlodipine and diltiazem at non-toxic concentrations on human rotavirus were examined using cytopathic effect inhibition, TCID50, and real-time PCR assays.
Results:
The highest inhibitory effect was obtained at concentrations of 0.5 μg/ml of amlodipine and 3 μg/ml of diltiazem, leading to 4.6 and 5.5 logarithmic reductions in infectious rotavirus titer and four- and a five-fold increase in the Ct values compared to the virus control, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Conversely, infectious rotavirus titers were significantly elevated compared to the virus control at concentrations above 0.9 μg/ml of amlodipine and above 25 μg/ml of diltiazem.
Conclusion:
Our study suggests that in addition to cardiovascular diseases, calcium channel blockers at their optimal doses may also be used to treat gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus infection.
Insights
Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and diltiazem show potential in treating rotavirus infections by reducing viral load. These drugs, typically used for cardiovascular diseases, may offer a new therapeutic avenue for gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Calcium ions play a crucial role in rotavirus replication and morphogenesis.
- Hypothesis: Inhibiting cytosolic calcium levels with calcium channel blockers may impede rotavirus replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral effects of amlodipine and diltiazem against human rotavirus.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these calcium channel blockers in reducing viral load and infectivity.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity of amlodipine and diltiazem on MA-104 cells assessed via neutral red assay.
- Antiviral activity determined by cytopathic effect inhibition, TCID50, and real-time PCR at non-toxic drug concentrations.
Main Results:
- Optimal inhibition observed at 0.5 μg/ml amlodipine and 3 μg/ml diltiazem, yielding significant reductions in rotavirus titer and increased Ct values (p<0.001).
- Conversely, higher concentrations (>0.9 μg/ml amlodipine, >25 μg/ml diltiazem) led to elevated infectious rotavirus titers.
Conclusions:
- Calcium channel blockers demonstrate significant potential in combating rotavirus infections.
- Beyond cardiovascular applications, amlodipine and diltiazem may serve as effective treatments for rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis at optimized doses.
