Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Jan 2000)
Effect of Diltiazem on the growth of long bones in rats
Abstract
Objective: Diltiazem is a calcium channel-blocking agent. In this study effect of Diltiazem on the ossification and the linear growth of rat’s long bones of one, two and three months age was examined. Methods: Rats were weighed and marked and Diltiazem was administered as follows: A) One month old, 2 mg/kg/day, for one week. B) Two months old, 3 mg/kg/day, for one week. C) Three months old, 4 mg/kg/day, for one week. D) Three months old, 4 mg/kg/day, for two weeks. E) Three months old, 8 mg/kg/day, for two weeks. The same number of rats were used as control group (A, B, C, D, E) for each group, they received distilled water. At the end of drug administration, after studying the condition of animals, those, which showed noticeable differences in body skeleton, were chosen for radiographic investigation. Then the rats were sacrificed and the length of their long bones was measured and finally we conducted microscopic study of femur bone of test and control groups. Findings: The results of this study showed that: 1) There was an increase in the number of chondrocytes in growth plate which was accompanied with a decrease in calcification and ossification. 2) The length, curvature, diameter and weight of long bones increased, 3) The bone damage and osteoporosis in all treatment groups were seen. Conclusion: Due to basic role of calcium in osteoporosis during growth period, exposure with calcium channel blockers such as Diltiazem could be dangerous.
