The influence of chronic verapamil treatment on calcium absorption and homeostasis in the geriatric rat
1994
It has been demonstrated that verapamil produces a significant reduction in calcium transport in rat everted gut sacs in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of oral verapamil treatment on calcium absorption and homeostasis in vivo in the geriatric rat. Verapamil was administered (either oral or parenteral) to groups of 12-month-old female rats at a moderate (5 mg/kg) to large (15 mg/kg) dose over a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the 8-week treatment period, calcium transport was examined in duodenal segments and femoral bone was removed to measure bone density and mechanical strength. Blood levels of verapamil as measured by high pressure liquid chromatography were consistent with the administered dose. The results of this study indicate that chronic verapamil treatment at a dose of 15 mg/kg caused an increase in calcium transport, a reduction in calcium uptake into duodenal tissue, and an increase in serum and urinary calcium. Therefore, these results support the concept that chronic oral and/or parenteral use of calcium channel blocking agents may alter calcium homeostasis in the geriatric patient.
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