This study investigates the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2a (BMP-2a) in human atherosclerotic lesions and its role in arterial calcification. BMP-2a, a potent osteogenic factor, was found to be expressed in calcified human atherosclerotic plaques. In vitro experiments using cultured human and bovine aortic cells demonstrated that these cells formed calcified nodules similar to those observed in bone cell cultures, with prolonged culture. The predominant cells in these nodules exhibited immunocytochemical features characteristic of microvascular pericytes, which are capable of osteoblastic differentiation. Pericyte-like cells were also identified in the intima of bovine and human aortas by immunohistochemistry. These findings suggest that arterial calcification may be a regulated process similar to bone formation, potentially mediated by pericyte-like cells. The study provides evidence for the involvement of BMP-2a in the calcification process and highlights the potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating arterial calcification.This study investigates the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2a (BMP-2a) in human atherosclerotic lesions and its role in arterial calcification. BMP-2a, a potent osteogenic factor, was found to be expressed in calcified human atherosclerotic plaques. In vitro experiments using cultured human and bovine aortic cells demonstrated that these cells formed calcified nodules similar to those observed in bone cell cultures, with prolonged culture. The predominant cells in these nodules exhibited immunocytochemical features characteristic of microvascular pericytes, which are capable of osteoblastic differentiation. Pericyte-like cells were also identified in the intima of bovine and human aortas by immunohistochemistry. These findings suggest that arterial calcification may be a regulated process similar to bone formation, potentially mediated by pericyte-like cells. The study provides evidence for the involvement of BMP-2a in the calcification process and highlights the potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating arterial calcification.