We selected the VSMC cultured 4-8 generation from rat aorta thoracalis as research object. The objects were divided into four groups(I)control group, (II)chuanxiongzine(50 μg/ml)group, ()chuanxiongzine (100 μg/ml) group and(lv) chuanxiongzine(200 μg/ml) group. The inhibitory effect of chuanxiongzine on VSMC proliferation was investigated by cell counting, M'IT and WTdR incorporation assay. In order to illuminate the molecular biology mechanism of chuanxiongzine inhibiting VSMCs proliferation, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and C-myc were detected.
Chuanxiongzine could inhibit the proliferation of VSMC significantly in a dose- and time-dependent manner, compared with control group (P < 0.05). The expression of PCNA and c-myc were inhibited obviously and correlated with the concentration of chuanxiongzine (P < 0.05).
Chuanxiongzine may play a considerable role in VSMC proliferation process. The inhibitory effect of chuanxiongzine in a dose- and time-dependent manner can be realized via down regulating the expression of PCNA and c-myc. In this study, The great theoretical fundament about Chinese medicine, which is used to treat atherosclerosis (AS), has been obtained.