Objective: To investigate the effects of Flunarizine (Flu) on T-type calcium currents (ICaT) in spermatogenic cells.
Methods: Ca2+ currents were obtained in acutely dissociated mouse spermatogenic cells using whole-cell patch clamp technique and the effects of Flu on ICaT were observed.
Results: Flu of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 micromol/L inhibited ICaT in mouse spermatogenic cells significantly with the K50 value of 0.289 micromol/L (P < 0.05). With the holding potential at -90 mV and stimulating potential at -30 mV, the inhibition rates of Flu were (23.34 +/- 2.76)%, (46.04 +/- 3.52)%, (62.52 +/- 3.70)% and (73.52 +/- 3.12)%, respectively.
Conclusion: Flu has significant inhibitory effects on ICaT in mouse spermatogenic cells, with concentration dependence. Ca(v)3.2 is the main contributor to T-type Ca2+ currents in spermatogenic cells.