Calcium channel involvement in magnetic field inhibition of morphine-induced analgesia

Summary An exposure for 60 min to a weak 0.5 Hz rotating magnetic field significantly reduced the day-time analgesic effects of morphine in male mice. The dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonists diltiazem and nifedipine and the non-DHP antagonist verapamil, as well as the inorganic calcium channel blockers, La³⁺ and Co²⁺, differentially reduced, while the DHP calcium channel agonist, BAY K 8644, enhanced the inhibitory effects of the magnetic stimuli. In a similar manner, though to a lesser degree, the calcium channel antagonists and agonist, increased and decreased, respectively, the inhibitory effects of intracerebroventricular administrations of Ca²⁺ on morphine-induced analgesia. The calcium channel antagonists and agonists had no significant effects on naloxone-mediated reductions of morphine-induced analgesia. These results suggest that exposure to magnetic stimuli affects the functioning of calcium channels and the distribution of calcium ions, thereby, altering the effects of opiates.Send offprint requests to M. Kavaliers