Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 81 (2), 244-246 (1999)

Effects of β-Blockers and Nicardipine on Oxotremorine-Induced
Tremor in Common Marmosets

Minoru Mitsuda, Masahiro Nomoto* and Shin-ichi Iwata


Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, 8 - 35 - 1, Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890 - 8520, Japan
* To whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract: Effects of β-blockers (propranolol, arotinolol and nipradilol) and a Ca²⁺ channel blocker (nicardipine) on oxotremorine-induced tremor were studied in common marmosets. Generalized tremor was elicited by an intraperitoneal administration of 0.25 mg/kg oxotremorine. Intensity of the tremor was classified into 7 degrees, and it was evaluated every 10 min. The total intensity of oxotremorine-induced tremor for each drug was expressed as “points”, which were the sum of tremor intensity scores evaluated every 10 min up to 190 min following the administration of oxotremorine. β-Blockers significantly suppressed the tremor. On the other hand, the Ca²⁺ channel blocker exacerbated the tremor.

Keywords: Oxotremorine-induced tremor, β-Blocker, Ca²⁺ channel blocker