Antiproliferative effects of the antiallergic agent azelastine on human aortic smooth-muscle cells: an in vitro study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.