AIM:To investigate the effect of the calcium channel blocker verapamil(Ver)on the proliferation,apoptosis and adhersion of the human lens epithelial cell(HLEC)in vitro.METHODS:Primary lens epithelial cells were cultured by the tissue explants adherent method.The second generations of lens epithelial cells were treated with Ver,the effect of proliferation and adhersion were examined with MTT.Cell morphological changes were examined by using AO/EB staining.Staining with Annexin V-FITC/PI was used to detect the apoptotic cells.The effect of Ver on HLEC cycle was analyzed by flow cytometer(FCM).RESULTS:HLEC grew out of the edge of tissue pieces after incubation for 4 to 6 days,they reached confluence after 15 to 20 days.HELC proliferation decreased with the increase of the concentration of Ver.The result of flow cytometer showed that the percentage of HLEC in G1 phase in drug group(78.1±0.2,83.2±0.6)compared with control group(72.0±0.9)was increased,HLEC in S phase in drug group(10.2±0.1,8.5±0.3)decreased in comparison with control group(16.9±0.3,P<0.05).Morphological observation demonstrated that treatment of HLEC with 40g/L Ver for 48 hours caused the typical morphological charateristics of apoptosis,including nuclear condensation and chromatin margination.The amount of adhered cells in drug group was 73.2% compared with control group.CONCLUSION:Ver could alter the cycle of HLEC and effectively inhibit the HLEC proliferation.It could induce apoptosis of HLEC and inhibit the adhersion of HLEC.