Calcium channel blockers modulate airway constriction in the canine lung periphery

We studied the effect of two voltage-sensitive calcium channel blockers on Na2EDTA-induced bronchoconstriction in the canine lung periphery. A wedged bronchoscope technique was used to measure collateral system resistance before and after challenges with aerosolized Na2EDTA, hypocapnia, aerosolized acetylcholine, and increased flow of dry air in anesthetized mongrel dogs. Nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, reduced hypocapnia-induced bronchoconstriction by 88 +/- 6% (SE) but did not alter Na2EDTA-induced constriction. Verapamil, a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker, attenuated hypocapnia- and Na2EDTA-induced bronchoconstriction by 69 +/- 6 and 44 +/- 7%, respectively, but did not significantly alter responses to either acetylcholine or dry air challenge. We conclude that calcium influx through voltage-sensitive calcium channels, perhaps of the T subtype, has a limited role in the initiation of Na2EDTA-induced bronchoconstriction in the canine lung periphery.