[Effect of calcium channel blockers on primary cultured human urethra scar fibroblasts].

To investigate effects of verapamil on primary cultured human urethral scar fibroblasts (USFs) and to provide basis for protecting the formation of urethra scar.

Methods

The cell proliferation was evaluated with the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 method after USFs were incubated various verapamil concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 μmol/L) or solvent for 12, 24, or 48 h. The protein level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) was evaluated with ELISA after cells were incubated with verapamil (100 μmol/L) or solvent (control cells) for 24 h.

Results

The proliferation of USFs was obviously suppressed after verapamil treatment, which was in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the verapamil treatment group increased obviously compared with those of the control groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Calcium channel blockers may prevent the excessive formation of urethra scar by inhibiting the proliferation of urethral scar fibroblasts and enhancing the activity of MMP.