In this paper

a rat model of arterial calcification induced by Vitamin D3 was established

and the arterial calcification was observed histologically.The expressions of osteoprotegrin（OPG） and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand（RANKL） in arterial tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry.The calcium and alkaline phosphatase level in arterial tissue was also examined.The results showed that

the expression of OPG was prominently lower and RANKL was prominently higher in the arterial tissue of rat model than that of the control group.The calcium and alkaline phosphatase level in arterial tissue of the rat model were higher than that of the control group.When salmon calcitonin was added

the OPG expression was markedly increased and the RANKL level was obviously decreased than that without salmon calcitonin treatment.The calcium and alkaline phosphatase level in the arterial tissue of the salmon calcitonin group was obviously decreased than that of the rat model without salmon calcitonin treatment.The results suggested that

OPG/RANKL participated in the regulation of arterial calcification

and salmon calcitonin could effectively inhibit arterial calcification through the OPG/RANKL system.