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Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Calcium, calcium antagonists and experimental atherosclerosis

R Paoletti1, A Corsini, M R Soma

  • 1Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.

Blood Pressure. Supplement
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Calcium channel blockers like lacidipine show antiatherosclerotic effects by inhibiting key processes in artery disease development. These drugs are promising for preventing atherosclerosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Calcium entry blockers demonstrate antiatherosclerotic properties in vitro and in vivo.
  • These effects are notable in reducing smooth muscle cell migration, multiplication, matrix formation, and lipid accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antiatherosclerotic potential of new calcium antagonists, specifically isradipine, amlodipine, and lacidipine.
  • To investigate the mechanisms by which lacidipine inhibits atherogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted.
  • The study focused on the effects of lacidipine on macrophage cholesteryl ester metabolism, myocyte proliferation, and myocyte migration.

Main Results:

  • Lacidipine, a lipophilic calcium antagonist, accumulates in cell membranes.
  • Lacidipine was observed to inhibit cholesteryl ester metabolism in macrophages.
  • Lacidipine effectively inhibited both proliferation and migration of myocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Lacidipine exhibits significant antiatherosclerotic activity.
  • Its lipophilic nature and ability to inhibit key atherogenic processes make lacidipine a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.

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