Objective To explore the relationship between effect of
Astragalus membranaceus (Ast) and Angelica sinensis (Ang) on vessel
restenosis and phenotypic remodeling of
vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).Methods The vessel restenosis model was established by denuding the rat arterial endothelium with balloon catheter. Northern blot and pathological analysis were used, respectively, to detect the effects of Ast and Ang on VSMC phenotypic marker genes SM α-actin and SMemb and the intima hyperplasia.Results Seven days after de-endothelialization, the intima thickening was observed obviously. On the 14~21th, the hyperplasia was progressive and diffuse.In the group treated by Ast and Ang , the hyperplasia was showed but notably weaker than that of the model after vascular injury.The expression activity of differentiated marker gene SM α-actin was higher,however,the dedifferentiated marker SMemb was lower in the Ast and Ang group than that of the model group. Conclusions Ast and Ang could reduce intima hyperplasia by inhibiting VSMC phenotypic remodeling.