Posted by Miguel (209.42.225.19) on March 16, 2000 at 18:57:38:
In Reply to: verapamil, clusters leg cramps posted by BobG on March 16, 2000 at 16:03:59:
Verapamil is a known Ca++ channel blocker. Its use
was aimed primarily at treating cardiovascular disease
via its mechanism of action. This mechanis is
one based on ion/cation exchange at the cellular
level to achieve relaxation of muscle cells.
Vasculature is lined with smooth muscle, just as many
other tissues in the body (I wonder how good is
Verapamil in diminishing menstrual cramps, although
I believe thse might be caused by prostaglandin
secretions at the local level - ladies?). By blocking
the entry of Ca++ into the smooth muscle cell, and without
going into a great of deatil as to how this specifically
takes plce, the smooth muscle relaxes. This also may apply
to skeletal muscle tissue, although I am not aware of such.
In the case of legs cramping, if the cause is tightness from
excessive exertion, perhaps getting the muscle to
relax may aid in the recovery of the tonal capacities of
the skeletal muscle. If cramping is caused by
hormonal or other naturally ocuring chemical agents,
perhaps imporving circulation through vasodilation
may help increase oxygen levels in the skeltal muscle,
as well as aid in the evacuation of those chemicals
by better perfussion of the skeletal muscle. However,
I do not have any specific experience not idea of
how Verapamil might be work, other than the long
speculation above described, while based on Verapamil's
effect on smooth muscle.
Miguel