Effect of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels (Cav) Blocker on Ovariectomy Induced Osteoporosis in Rats

Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of two different doses of two calcium channel blockers i.e. verapamil and nifedipine on genesis and control of osteoporosis by considering various biochemical and bone parameters against ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. Methods: We have used total 42 female albino Wistar rats; one group of 6 animals was kept as Sham operated group. OVX was perform on 36 rats, after 14 days of recovery period; 36 OVX rats were equally and randomly divided into 06 groups, 4 groups for verapamil and nifedipine (two doses for each); one as disease control other is treated as standard. On 41st day, various parameters evaluated. Results: Low dose of verapamil treated group have P<0.01 significant improvement in bone development; increasing in the bone density, breaking strength and maintaining serum calcium, phosphorous and ALP level. It also reduced the osteoclast count and maintained normal bone architecture. Conclusion: From the above study we conclude that there is involvement of specific Cav 1.1 and Cav 1.3 channels on rat osteoblast cells. Protection offered by low dose of verapamil possibly by controlling entry of Ca2+ ions through these channels, inhibiting osteoclast formation and extending osteoblast survival.