Enhancement of anti-inflammatory effects of calcium channel blockers by allopurinol and dimethylsulphoxide

• Published in: Inflammopharmacology 1997, Vol.5 (4), p.397-406
• Main Authors: Mobarok Ali, A T, Al-Swayeh, O A, Al-Humayyd, M S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0925-4692; 1568-5608
• DOI: 10.1007/s10787-997-0035-4

The effects of the calcium channel blockers, nifedipine, verapamil and flunarizine, and the antioxidants, allopurinol and dimethylsulphoxide, were investigated on carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and changes in vascular permeability. Paw volume was measured by using a plethysmometer and vascular permeability was quantified by measuring the extravasated Evans blue dye 3 h after injecting the phlogistic agent. Intraperitoneal administration of nifedipine (1,2 and 4 mg/kg), verapamil (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), flunarizine (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg), allopurinol (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg) and dimethylsulphoxide (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) 30 min before carrageenan, dose dependently inhibited oedema formation and increased vascular permeability. Co-administration of the lowest doses of calcium channel blockers with the lowest doses of antioxidants produced synergistic inhibitory effects. These results indicate that both calcium influx and oxygen-derived free radicals are involved in carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses. Thus, the synergistic effects of their combination may be due to the blockade of calcium entry and reduction in the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals.