Gabapentin Reduces Blood Pressure and Heart Rate through the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii.

Background: Oral and intravenous gabapentin can markedly attenuate blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats. The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is the primary integrative center for cardiovascular control and other autonomic functions in the central nervous system. However, the signaling mechanisms involved in gabapentin-mediated cardiovascular effects in the NTS remain unclear.

The Mechanism of Safrole-Induced [Ca²⁺]i Rises and Non-Ca²⁺-Triggered Cell Death in SCM1 Human Gastric Cancer Cells.

Safrole is a carcinogen found in plants. The effect of safrole on cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺](i)) and viability in SCM1 human gastric cancer cells was explored. The Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was applied to measure [Ca²⁺](i).

Effect of NPC-14686 (Fmoc-l-Homophenylalanine) on Ca²⁺ Homeostasis and Viability in OC2 Human Oral Cancer Cells.

The effect of the anti-inflammatory compound NPC-14686 on intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺](i)) and viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells was investigated. The Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent probe fura-2 was used to examine [Ca²⁺](i). NPC-14686 induced [Ca²⁺](i) rises in a concentration-dependent fashion.