Differential actions of calcium antagonists on calcium binding to cardiac sarcolemma

The action of four calcium antagonistic drugs, including verapamil, bepridil, nifedipine, and diltiazem, on calcium binding to cardiac sarcolemma from guniea pig was tested. It was found that verapamil (10(-6) to 10(-5) M) inhibited calcium binding to a great extent. Bepridil at the same concentrations was less potent than verapamil in the depression of calcium binding. Nifedipine and diltiazem did not affect sarcolemmal calcium binding. The differential action of the calcium antagonistic drugs was discussed.