Enhanced blockade of CA-45(2+) uptake into platelets in manic patients with bipolar affective-disorder with flunarazine and verapamil

AbstractThis study examined bipolar patients in the manic and depressed phases of bipolar disorder and controls, measuring basal radiolabelled 45Ca2+ uptake into platelets, and the effects of verapamil and fluanarazine on uptake. Radiolabelled 45Ca2+ uptake into platelets was measured in the manic (N = 13) and depressed (N = 15) phases of bipolar disorder compared to controls (N = 13) using a β liquid scintillation counter. Both flunarazine (p = 0·0196) and verapamil (p = 0·0486) caused greater inhibition of 45Ca2+ uptake in manics than controls. Flunarazine (p = 0·0209) was also associated with greater inhibition of calcium uptake in manics than depressives. Flunarazine and verapamil enhance the blockade of 45Ca2+ uptake into platelets in manic patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder.