Flunarizine but not theophylline modulates inotropic responses of the isolated rat heart to diazepam.

Diazepam (2 x 10(-5)-6 x 10(-4) M) induced a concentration-dependent positive inotropic effect on the perfused rat heart which was preceded by a transient concentration-dependent negative inotropic response. The influence of the Ca(2+)-entry blocking drug, flunarizine, and the adenosine receptor blocking drug, theophylline on these inotropic responses was studied. Flunarizine in concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M antagonized the positive inotropic response to diazepam significantly; the negative inotropic response was reduced as well. At the lower concentrations of diazepam the negative inotropic response was completely abolished in the presence of flunarizine. The actions of the Ca(2+)-entry blocker were related to the concentrations used. Theophylline in concentrations up to 5 x 10(-5) M did not interfere with either inotropic response to diazepam. The results suggest that Ca2+ currents in the myocardium are involved with the response of the isolated heart to diazepam. It is concluded that the finding that the negative inotropic effect of diazepam was almost abolished by flunarizine suggests that the site of this response most be associated with Ca(2+)-current mechanisms.