Abstract
The L-type calcium channel antagonist, isradipine, reduces brain ischemia in animal models of ischemic stroke. These effects of isradipine appear more pronounced in dopamine (DA) rich brain regions. These same DA-rich brain regions have also been shown to be the areas most affected by cocaine-induced ischemic changes. Using a novel quantified approach to single photon emission computerized tomography, we demonstrated that isradipine pre-treatment prevented cocaine-induced ischemic changes, especially in these DA-rich brain regions. This is the first demonstration that any medication, including isradipine, can prevent the ischemic effects of cocaine on brain blood flow. Isradipine may, therefore, be a useful therapeutic agent for the prevention of brain ischemia in cocaine addicts.
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Received: 4 June 1997/Final version: 3 November 1997
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Johnson, B., Barron, B., Fang, B. et al. Isradipine prevents global and regional cocaine-induced changes in brain blood flow: a preliminary study. Psychopharmacology 136, 335–341 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050575
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050575