| Abstract [eng] |
The topic of the master thesis of neurobiology study program - Effect of classical L-type calcium channel blocker verapamil on starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) cells The work was prepared by Julius Kavaliauskas. Supervisor – assist. prof. V. Kisnierienė PhD. Consultant – PhD student Vilmantas Pupkis Plant systems are still relatively unexplorde and in many respects a significant part remains unknown. According to the theory of evolution, plant and animal systems have a common ancestor, which makes it possible to assume their molecular and electrophysiological similarities. This justifies studies to be performed with chemical substances commonly used in animals, and the application of knowledge of their working principles in plant systems. Verapamil, a classic L-type calcium channel blocker, known for more than 50 years has been selected for this study. The effects of verapamil on starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) cells related to calcium ions and the function of their transport systems: cell viability, cytoplasmic streaming and changes in membrane potential repolarization were investigated. Research results in most cases correlate with the literature sources provided. Toxic effect of verapamil to cells caused their death 3-5 h after application, but this did not result in changes in cytoplasmic streaming, but did result in stopping of cytoplasmic streaming in 2 h, which could be indicators of cell death. Verapamil slowed repolarization of action potential, which confirmed the hypothesis that verapamil may act as a non-specific ion channel blocker in plant systems, blocking not only calcium but also potassium ion transport systems. |
