Antiproliferative effects of the antiallergic agent azelastine on human aortic smooth-muscle cells: an in vitro study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to examine the effects of azelastine on proliferation, clonogenic activity, cell-cycle, and migration of human aortic smooth-muscle cells (haSMCs) in vitro.


METHODS
HaSMCs were treated for 4 days with azelastine (1 micromol/L, 25 micromol/L, 50 micromol/L). Half of the treated groups were incubated again with azelastine, the other half received azelastine-free medium every 4 days until day 20. The growth kinetics and clonogenic activity were assessed. The cell-cycle distribution was investigated by FACS -- analysis and the migratory ability was evaluated.


RESULTS
Azelastine inhibited the proliferation and the clonogenic activity of haSMCs in a dose dependent manner. A G2/M-phase block was induced and the migratory ability was significantly impaired.


CONCLUSIONS
Azelastine has the potential to inhibit the proliferation of haSMCs. If a sufficient dose can be applied either systemically or locally it could be a valuable substance to prevent restenosis.
Schöber
Wolfgang
W
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany. Schoeber.wogi@t-online.de
Wiskirchen
Jakub
J
Kehlbach
Rainer
R
Gebert
Regina
R
Rodegerdts
Enno
E
Betsch
Angelika
A
Johst
Ursula
U
Feuls
Roland
R
Claussen
Claus D
CD
Duda
Stephen D
SD
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001011:Aorta / Q000187:drug effects; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D010793:Phthalazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D010793:Phthalazines; C020976:azelastine