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3243286 
Journal Article 
Effects of calcium channel blocker azelnidipine on experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms 
Yokokura, H; Hiromatsu, S; Akashi, H; Kato, S; Aoyagi, S 
2007 
1 
Surgery Today
ISSN: 0941-1291
EISSN: 1436-2813 
37 
6 
468-473 
WOS:000246770900005 
Purpose. Azelnidipine has recently been recognized in
vascular remodeling. However, the effects of azelnidipine on aneurysmal disease have not yet been
studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether azelnidipine can inhibit a further
expansion of aneurysmal disease. Methods. Experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) were
created in a rat model by perfusing elastase. The rats in the first group received no treatment
(n = 10). In the second group (n = 10) azelnidipine (2 mg/kg) was administered to the animals
from 3 days before perfusion. The aortic diameter (AD) was measured at the time of initial
surgery and death on postoperative day 14. The production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2
and -9 was analyzed by gelatin zymography. Results. The aortic diameter was smaller in the
azelnidipine group than in the control (7.875 +/- 1.454 vs 10.745 +/- 0.551 mm, P < 0.01). the
active MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels decreased in the azelnidipine group. Hematoxylin-eosin and elastin
staining revealed fewer changes in the inflammatory infiltrate and degradation of elastin in the
azelnidipine group. Conclusion. Azelnidipine reduced the expansion of experimental AAAs.
Azelnidipine therefore appears to influence the inflammatory oxidative response seen in AAAs
while also decreasing the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels. In addition, azelnidipine inhibited aortic
dilatation. 
aneurysm; azelnidipine; experimental aneurysm; matrix metalloproteinase