Differences between calcium channel inhibitors in their effects on phencyclidine-induced behavioral stimulation in mice.

Sixteen calcium channel inhibitors (CCI's) were tested in a model utilizing phencyclidine (PCP)-induced behavioral stimulation in mice. There were marked differences in the effects of CCI's both within subclasses and between subclasses of CCI's. All of the dihydropyridines and possibly flunarizine were effective in blocking PCP-induced behavioral stimulation. Papaverine derivatives, including verapamil, and several other CCI's, were ineffective.