The actions of diazepam and diphenylhydantoin on fast and slow Ca2+ uptake processes in guinea pig cerebral cortex synaptosomes.

The activities of diazepam and diphenylhydantoin as inhibitors of the fast and slow phases of 45Ca2+ uptake in response to K+ depolarization and of [3H]nitrendipine binding were examined in guinea pig cerebral cortex synaptosomes. The slow phase of 45Ca2+ uptake was abolished in Na+-free media (choline substitution) and was more sensitive to inhibition by 3,4-dichlorobenzamil and represents a Na+-dependent Ca2+ uptake process. The fast component of uptake represents activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Diazepam (to 300 microM) was selectively active against the fast component of 45Ca2+ uptake. The benzodiazepines Ro 11-3624 and Ro 11-3128 were similarly selective with a modest stereoselectivity against the fast component of 45Ca2+ uptake. Diphenylhydantoin (100 and 200 microM) blocked nonselectively both fast and slow phases of Ca2+ uptake. Diazepam (60 microM) and diphenylhydantoin (200 microM) blocked [3H]nitrendipine binding in a competitive manner. Diazepam and diphenylhydantoin probably exert at least part of their anticonvulsant activity by inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.