Effect of Benidipine Hydrochloride, a Dihydropyridine-type Calcium Antagonist, on the Function of Mouse Osteoblastic Cells

SUMMARY

The effects of benidipine hydrochloride (BD), a dihydropyridine-type calcium antagonist, on the growth and alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity were studied in cultures of mouse osteoblastic cells. BD (0.1-10 nM) increased the ALPase activity of osteoblastic cells and reduced cell proliferation incubated for 48 h. This reduction of cell growth did not appear to be due to cell death. On the other hand, nifedipine and amlodipine (1 nM) had no effect. BD (0.1-10 nM) enhanced the effects of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ on osteoblastic cells, the decreased cell growth and increased ALPase activity. These findings suggest that BD regulates the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts and stimulates the function of these cells as well as 1,25(OH)₂D₃.