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Science 29 May 1981:
Vol. 212. no. 4498, pp. 1051 - 1052
DOI: 10.1126/science.7195070
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Articles

Science, Vol 212, Issue 4498, 1051-1052
Copyright © 1981 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Phencyclidine, lysergic acid diethylamide, and mescaline: cerebral artery spasms and hallucinogenic activity

BT Altura and BM Altura

Phencyclidine (PCP), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and mescaline produced potent contractile responses on isolated basilar and middle cerebral arteries, where, in terms of potency, LSD greater than mescaline greater than PCP. All three drugs produced cerebrovasospasm in a concentration range which parallels that needed for their psychotomimetic and intoxicating actions. Specific receptors for PCP, which subserve contraction and differ from those for LSD and mescaline, are found in cerebral arteries. Concentrations of PCP that produced near-maximum contractile responses on cerebral arteries were similar to those in the blood and brain of human subjects who had died from PCP overdoses. A specific calcium antagonist, verapamil, readily prevented (and reversed) PCP-induced vasospasm. This study provides direct evidence for PCP receptors in cerebral blood vessels, the biologic action of which can be reversed by a calcium antagonist; the clinical use of the latter could prove invaluable in treating PCP-intoxicated victims.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Atenolol Compared with Nifedipine: Effect on Cognitive Function and Mood in Elderly Hypertensive Patients.
M. H. Skinner, A. Futterman, D. Morrissette, L. W. Thompson, B. B. Hoffman, and T. F. Blaschke (1992)
Ann Intern Med 116, 615-623
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Alcohol-induced spasms of cerebral blood vessels: relation to cerebrovascular accidents and sudden death.
B. Altura, B. Altura, and A Gebrewold (1983)
Science 220, 331-333
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A Case of Episodic Flushing and Organic Psychosis: Reversal by Opiate Antagonists.
D. J. GOLDSTEIN and H. R. KEISER (1983)
Ann Intern Med 98, 30-34
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