Fig. 5.

Incubation of isolated cardiac synaptosomes with acetaldehyde elicits a concentration-dependent increase in NE release that is potentiated by the NE transporter inhibitor DMI (300 nM; 10 min). A selective N-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker, ω-CTX (100 nM; 10 min), markedly reduces the acetaldehyde-induced NE release. Points (means ± S.E.M.; n = 8–32) represent percentage increases in NE release above a mean basal control level of 246 ± 6.80 pmol/mg protein (n = 32). ***, P < 0.001 from acetaldehyde control by unpaired t test.