Bovine aortic endothelial c~lls (BAEC) pulsed for 5 h with mildly oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDL), exhibit~ a broad, sustained and high peak of [Ca:*]l occurring several hours after the end of the pulse and reachilll~ very high [Ca"+]t values (around 2500--3000 nmol/I) and a concomitant drop of eytosolic pH (around 0.2-0.3 pH units) without any loss of cell viability. When BAEC were continuously pulsed with oxidized LDL, the peak of [Ca2*]~ was more sustained than in short pulse experiments and was associated with irreversible morphological ~hanges usually associat~l with cytotoxi¢ events (blebbin$) and with a marked loss of viability. The potential involvement of thes, biochemical and morphological changes in atherogenesis are discussed.

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