Flunarizine protects neurons from death after axotomy or NGF deprivation.

Systemically administered flunarizine enhanced neuronal survival in lumbar sensory ganglia in newborn rats after axotomy. Flunarizine-treated rats lost 71 percent fewer neurons than the untreated control rats at the end of 1 week. In cell culture, flunarizine at 30 to 40 microM also prevented neuronal death in nerve growth factor-dependent embryonic sensory and sympathetic neurons after the abrupt withdrawal of neurotrophic support. The drug may cause this effect by acting at an intracellular site, one distinct from its blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels.