Protective effect of diltiazem, a L-type calcium channel antagonist, on lysophosphatidylcholine-enhanced hydroxyl radical generation by MPP(+) in rat striatum.

Abstract Background The interaction between the PKC and oxygen free radicals. Objective and methods The present study examined the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), an endogenous amphophilic lipid metabolite, on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP + )-induced hydroxyl radical ( OH) generation in rat striatum. LPC (50 μM) increased OH formation by MPP + . Further, the effect of diltiazem, a L-type Ca 2 + channel antagonist, on MPP + (5 mM)-induced OH generation was studied. Results Diltiazem (100 μM) significantly suppressed LPC and MPP + -induced OH generation. The results indicate OH generation, and diltiazem may have preventive effect on MPP + -induced OH generation. Conclusion These results demonstrated that diltiazem suppressed LPC-induced generation of free radical through blockage of Ca 2 + channel in the rat striatum.