On the relation of calcium channel blockers to rat parotid and submandibular glands function in vivo.

1. The effects of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on rat parotid and submandibular glands function were studied. 2. Nifedipine (5 mg/kg), verapamil (5 mg/kg) and diltiazem (10 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally 15 min before saliva collection. 3. Animals were anesthetized with 50 mg/kg of sodium pentobarbital and 8 mg/kg of pilocarpine was used as secretagogue. 4. Submandibular saliva was analyzed for flow rate, protein and calcium concentrations; and parotid saliva for calcium and amylase contents. 5. In treated groups, flow rate and calcium of submandibular saliva were significantly lower than controls. Parotid calcium in the nifedipine group was decreased and in verapamil and diltiazem groups was increased. Parotid amylase was significantly decreased in both the nifedipine and diltiazem groups. 6. It is concluded that a blockade of calcium channels in salivary glands acinar cells by CCBs causes some alterations in salivary secretions.