Pretreatment with nimodipine prevents MPTP-induced neurotoxicity at the nigral, but not at the striatal level in mice

The Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Their Future Therapeutic Potential

“…As described above, LTCCs serve as an important Ca 2+ source in spontaneously active SNc neurons, which preferentially degenerate in PD. In some reports, DHPs were found to protect SNc neurons in neurotoxin-based models of PD in rodents and nonhuman primates (Kupsch et al, 1995(Kupsch et al, , 1996Chan et al, 2007;Ilijic et al, 2011). This was achieved at low doses of DHPs, considered therapeutic in humans.…”

Calcium Channel Antagonists as Disease-Modifying Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: Therapeutic Rationale and Current Status

“…And it was concluded that this occurred through an action on nigral CaV1.3 channels that resulted in less calcium entering the cells with a consequent reduction in the energy used and hence oxidant stress required to control intracellular calcium levels. 25,78,79,80 Since isradipine was already FDA-approved for use in hypertension, a Phase II safety and tolerability trial was rapidly organized to determine the safest and highest that could be used in Parkinson's disease patients. 81 The study found that isradipine tolerability was dose dependent with dizziness and peripheral oedema being the most common sideeffect.…”

Effects of Isradipine on Induced-Parkinson’s Disease in Rats

“…Furthermore, a decrease in calcium entry to these cells caused a reduction in cell metabolism and a delay in apoptosis [7]. Previous studies have shown that pre-treatment with nimodipine (calcium channel blocker) can prevent the toxic effects of MPTP on substantia nigra neurons [16]. 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonist can reduce dyskinesia after PD induced with 6OHDA [17], that could be involve in isradipine neuroprotective mechanism.…”