Benidipine Hydrochloride Increases Calcified Nodule Formation in the Bovine Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Cultures



Nikbahkt Dastjerdi M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Daru Published:2007

Abstract

Arterial calcification, a regulated process similar to ossification in bone, is common in atherosclerosis. A subpopulation of bovine aortic media cells, have osteoblastic characteristics and form spontaneously mineralized nodules in vitro. To assess whether Benidipine Hydrochloride as a potent calcium-channel blocker modulates arterial calcification, the effect of this drug on bovine vascular aortic smooth muscle cells for formation of calcified nodules and alkaline phosphatase activity in the culture medium was determined. These cells were obtained from bovine thoracic aorta, treated with different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 nmol/L) of Benidipine Hydrochloride. Twenty-one days of treatment in comparison with control cells resulted in a significant increase in number of calcified nodules visualized by von Kossa staining, as well as by increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker for osteoblastic differentiation and decrease in cell number in a dose dependent manner, compared with control cells. These results indicate that treatment with Benidipine Hydrochloride treatment in long term may contributes to vascular calcification.