Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle condition starting in childhood, leading to severe disability and a shortened life span. It is due to severe deficiency of the protein dystrophin which performs both structural and signalling roles within skeletal and cardiac myocytes. Calcium accumulates in dystrophic muscle cells and plays a role in cell damage. It has been hypothesised that use of calcium antagonists might reduce this calcium load and its toxic effect on muscle cells.
Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Nottingham, Arkwright House, Derby City Hospital, Derby, UK, DE22 3NE. margaret.phillips@nottingham.ac.uk
