Inhibition by verapamil of ischemic Ca2+ uptake in the rabbit hippocampus

In the study described here a perfusion-dialysis system was used for recording ionic changes in the hippocampus during ischemia. Local perfusion with a Ca2+ entry blocker (verapamil) inhibited the fall in extracellular Ca2+ concentration which occurs in ischemia. The data consequently suggest that intracellular Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia can be blocked. A Ca2+ antagonist such as verapamil may thus improve post-ischemic neuronal recovery via a direct effect on parenchymal cells in addition to the previously suggested vascular effects.