Effects of verapamil and taurine administration on heart taurine and calcium in BIO 14.6 cardiomyopathic hamsters.

Administration of either taurine or verapamil raised heart taurine and reduced heart calcium levels in BIO 14.6 hamsters. Combined administration of the two agents magnified both effects. It is suggested that the marked reduction of heart calcium produced by verapamil may be partially mediated through the membrane-stabilizing, calcium-modulating actions of taurine at the sarcolemma.