Endothelins inhibit mineralization of rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells.

We examined the effects of members of the endothelin (ET) family on mineralization of rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells. The accumulation of calcium in cells and cell layers was attenuated by ETs with the rank order of potency ET-1 = ET-2 > ET-3. We stained the mineralized nodules by von Kossa staining and measured the number and area of mineralized nodules. The inhibitory effects of ET-1 and ET-2 on the formation of mineralized nodules were stronger than those of ET-3. Our data suggest that ET-1 may inhibit the mineralization process of osteoblastic cells through the ETA receptor.