Calcium channel block by phenytoin in neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells.

The action of phenytoin on the inward calcium current (ICa) was studied in cells of the clonal mouse neuroblastoma X rat glioma hybrid line 108CC5 by the suction pipette technique for internal perfusion and voltage clamp. The ICa was recorded after suppression of Na+ and K+ currents. Phenytoin, applied externally in concentrations of 50 to 500 microM, depressed the ICa in the investigated potential range of -60 to +30 mV in a concentration-dependent manner. When the cells were stimulated by depolarizing clamp steps, the extent of the ICa depression increased with the frequency and duration of the activating pulses. ICa was also inhibited on intracellular application of phenytoin.