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Picornavirus replication causes leakage of cytoplasmic K+ and an influx of Na+ and Ca2+.
In this study, we have explored the possibility that a blockade of Ca2+ and Na+ influx would reduce rhinovirus production and/or release.
The Ca2+-channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem, as well as the blocker of Na+/H+ exchange and the epithelial Na+ channel, EIPA, inhibited both virus production and release.
The effect on virus release was more pronounced than the effect on production, thus raising the possibility that rhinovirus release may serve as a target for antiviral agents.
Unexpectedly, our results also showed that the antiviral activity of the Ca2+-channel blockers was not due to the block of Ca2+ influx.
Similarly, the antiviral activity of EIPA appeared to be unrelated to the blockade of cellular Na+/H+ exchanger or the epithelial Na+ channel.
Potential alternative mechanisms of the antiviral activity of these compounds are discussed.
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