Solanaceae glycoalkaloids: α-solanine and α-chaconine modify the cardioinhibitory activity of verapamil

Context Solanaceae glycoalkaloids (SGAs) possess cardiomodulatory activity. Objective This study investigated the potential interaction between verapamil and glycoalkaloids. Material and methods The cardioactivity of verapamil and glycoalkaloids (alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine) was tested in adult beetle (Tenebrio molitor) myocardium in vitro using microdensitometric methods. The myocardium was treated with pure substances and mixtures of verapamil and glycoalkaloids for 9 min with saline as a control. Two experimental variants were used: simultaneous application of verapamil and glycoalkaloids or preincubation of the myocardium with one of the compounds followed by perfusion with a verapamil solution. We used 9 x 10(-6-5) x 10(-5) M and 10(-9)-10(-5) M concentration for verapamil and glycoalkaloids, respectively. Results Verapamil, alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine showed cardioinhibitory activity with IC50 values equal to 1.69 x 10(-5), 1.88 x 10(-7) and 7.48 x 10(-7) M, respectively. When the glycoalkaloids were applied simultaneously with verapamil, an antagonistic effect was observed with a decrease in the maximal inhibitory effect and prolongation of t(50) and the recovery time characteristic of verapamil. We also confirmed the expression of two transcript forms of the gene that encodes the alpha 1 subunit of L-type calcium channels in the myocardium and brain with equal transcription levels of both forms in the myocardium and significant domination of the shorter form in the brain of the insect species tested. Discussion and conclusions The results show that attention to the composition of the daily diet during therapy with various drugs is particularly important. In subsequent studies, the nature of interaction between verapamil and SGAs on the molecular level should be checked, and whether this interaction decreases the efficiency of cardiovascular therapy with verapamil in humans.

Automated summary

This study investigated the potential interaction between verapamil and Solanaceae glycoalkaloids (SGAs) and their effects on cardiac activity. The results showed that verapamil, alpha-solanine, and alpha-chaconine exhibited cardioinhibitory activity. When SGAs were applied simultaneously with verapamil, an antagonistic effect was observed.