Singh, Jitendra NMandal, Maloy BDeshpande, Shripad B2008-04-102009-06-012008-04-102009-06-012008-04-10Singh JN, Mandal MB, Deshpande SB. Ptychodiscus brevis toxin decreases the spontaneous activity of rat right atria involving muscarinic receptors and potassium channels. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2008 Apr-Jun; 52(2): 157-63http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/106550Marine dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus brevis toxin (PbTx), is known to produce toxic effects on cardiovascular system. The present experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of synthetic phosphorus containing Ptychodiscus brevis toxin on spontaneously beating right atrium in vitro. The PbTx (0.84-84 microM) decreased the rate and force of right atrial contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. Ethanol, a vehicle present in highest concentration of PbTx, had no effect on atrial rate or force of contraction. Pretreatment with atropine blocked the PbTx-induced decrease in atrial rate and force of contraction. The tetraethylammonium, a potassium channel blocker, blocked the PbTx-induced decrease in atrial rate and force, where as, L-type of calcium channel blocker, nifedipine blocked the PbTx-induced force of contraction but not the rate changes. The results indicate that the PbTx decreased the atrial rate and force of contraction via cholinergic receptors involving K+ channel.engAnimalsAtropine --pharmacologyCalcium Channel Blockers --pharmacologyCyclopentanes --pharmacologyDose-Response Relationship, DrugHeart Atria --drug effectsMaleMuscarinic Antagonists --pharmacologyMyocardial Contraction --drug effectsNifedipine --pharmacologyOrganophosphorus Compounds --pharmacologyPotassium Channel Blockers --pharmacologyPotassium Channels --drug effectsRatsReceptors, Muscarinic --drug effectsTetraethylammonium --pharmacologyIn Vitro