Chloroquine and Cinchonine Affect Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Tonus Through Calcium Channels – In Silico and In Vitro Approaches

The study investigates the vasorelaxant effects of chloroquine and cinchonine on rat vascular smooth muscle, focusing on their interaction with calcium channels. Both compounds significantly reduced phenylephrine-induced muscle contractions, primarily through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, with minimal involvement of inositol triphosphate receptors. Molecular docking suggested that chloroquine has significant activity towards LTCCs, unlike cinchonine. The findings highlight the need for caution when administering chloroquine to patients with cardiovascular disorders.