# BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BASIC CALCIUM PHOSPHATE CRYSTALS

> **NIH NIH R01** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 1990 · $210,701

## Abstract

These studies are designed to determine the pathogenesis of the
degenerative arthropathies associated with the deposition of
calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate or basic calcium phosphate
crystals in articular tissues with the eventual goal of developing a
rational means of preventing or reversing the consequences of
such deposition.  This proposal focuses chiefly on the interaction
of living cells with crystals containing calcium.

We shall examine how the observed biological effects such as
stimulation of mitogenesis, crystal dissolution, arachidonic acid
metabolism and proteases synthesis are related to each other.  We
shall further define the mechanism of BCP crystal-induced
mitogenesis with special emphasis on early biochemical changes in
cells stimulated by crystals.  The mechanism of BCP crystal
dissolution by cells will be explored.  We are interested in possible
intracellular sequestration of Ca2+ resulting from crystal
dissolution and rate of Ca2+ efflux.

Other related studies will include:  level of somatomedin C in
joint fluids of arthritis patients; 2) clearance of BCP crystals
from human joints.

Rabbits and mice will be used as a source for cells for cell
culture.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3158553
- **Project number:** 5R01AR038421-03
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **SAM.gov UEI:** E8VWJXMMUQ67
- **Principal Investigator:** HERMAN S CHEUNG
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1990
- **Award amount:** $210,701
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1988-02-01 → 1993-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3158553

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3158553, BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BASIC CALCIUM PHOSPHATE CRYSTALS (5R01AR038421-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3158553. Licensed CC0.

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