The effect of Nifedipine on the expression of type I collagen in gingival fibroblasts*

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of nifedipine(calciumchannel blocker) on the expression of collagen in gingival fibroblasts invitro.MethodsPrimarily gingival fibroblasts were cultured and incubated with various concentrations of nifedipine(108 μ g/L, 360 μg/L and 1200 μg/L)for 5 days. Gingival fibroblasts were primarily cultured derived from nifedipine responders and non-responders in the presence of 360 μg/L nifedipine. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the amount of type I collagen. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting with evaluating MTT value.ResultsThe expressions of collagen and cell proliferation were significantly different among the high concentration groups and the others on the fifth day, especially higher in 360 μg/L and 1200 μg/L groups and also different among nifedipine responders and non-responders.ConclusionThe expression of collagen and cell proliferation may be concerned with the biological mechanism for gingival overgrowth.