Alteration in voltage-dependent calcium channels in dog basilar artery after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Voltage-dependent Ca++ channels are altered in cerebral arteries after SAH. While decreased L-type channels may account for the lack of efficacy of nimodipine clinically, there may be other reasons such as inadequate dose, effect of nimodipine on other cellular targets, and mechanisms of vasospasm other than smooth muscle contraction mediated by activation of L-type Ca++ channels.