Fluorescent estimation on the effect of Ca²⁺ antagonists on the oxidative metabolism in dissociated mammalian brain neurons

Effect of organic Ca²⁺ antagonists on the oxidative metabolism or the formation of reactive oxygen species was estimated on dissociated mammalian neurons using a flow cytometer and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin which is oxidazed to be fluoresent by cellular oxidants. Of the organic Ca²⁺ antagonist used, flunarizine and nifedipine decreased the intensity of fluorescence at 1 μM or more while it was not the case for verapamil and diltiazem, suggesting one of the favourable actions of flunarizine and nifedipine on ischemic brain damage.