An experimental model of calcification in the vessel wall

Multiple angiolytic changes of the mesenteric arteries due to administration of vast amounts of Na2EDTA into the peritoneal cavity of guinea pigs have already been demonstrated by Yamaguchi et al. (1981 a, b). In this experiment, one week after Na2EDTA administration calcium lactate was administered in the same manner. As a result calcium deposition was observed in the intimal elastic fibers, in and at the collagenous fibers and intermuscular spaces of lytic and ensuing dilatated areas of the vascular wall. This suggests that dystrophic calcification might be induced by conjugation of calcium ions to the free negative charges of acid mucopolysaccharides (aMPS) which are the main component of the above structural elements.