EFFECTS OF CARBAMAZEPINE ON ACTION-POTENTIALS AND CALCIUM CURRENTS INRAT SPINAL GANGLION-CELLS IN-VITRO

The effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) on action potentials and calcium cu rrents in cultured rat sensory spinal ganglion cells were investigated . CBZ was found to reversibly suppress the calcium-dependent component s of action potentials and to reduce the amplitude of the after-hyperp olarizations, while the rising phase and the peak amplitude were hardl y changed. Furthermore, CBZ caused a marked reduction in the calcium c urrents, which in some cells was reversible. The present findings conf irm that CBZ has calcium-antagonistic properties.