Effects of the calcium antagonist, diltiazem on in vitro and in vivo/in vitro bone resorption

The effect of the calcium antagonist diltiazem on bone resorption in organ culture has been investigated. It was found that diltiazem was ineffective alone but that in concentrations above 5 mumol/l it reduced mineral and organic resorption induced in vitro by 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol (1.25 (OH)2D3). No additivity with calcitonin effects was observed. Diltiazem did not significantly affect bone resorbing activity stimulated by 24,25(OH)2D3. Bone resorption was measured by an in vivo/in vitro technique using 45Ca prelabelled mice. Compared with 1.25(OH)2D3 alone treated group (0.480 pmol/g), it was found that diltiazem (100 nmol/g) reduced bone resorption without effect on calcium and phosphorus plasmatic concentrations at death. These data suggest that such a calcium antagonist is able to inhibit 1.25-(OH)2D3-increased-bone resorption either in vitro or in vivo/in vitro.