Objective:To evaluate the influence of
atorvastatin on ion pump activity of smooth muscle cells and intima proliferation
in rats after arterial intimal injury. Method:Twenty-seven rats were divided randomly into sham group (n=7),
control group (n=10) and
atorvastatin group (n=10). Animal models of carotid arterial intimal injury were established in the latter two groups, and those in atorvastatin group were administrated Atorvastatin 30 mg·kg -1·d -1 from the third before the operation to the 28th day after the operation. On the 28th day, all of the rats were killed for the measurement of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase activities of smooth muscle cells from carotid artery. Intimal hyperplasia was observed with HE staining, and its maximum thickness were detected by a computer image analysis system. Result:Activities of Na+-K+-ATP ase and Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase were significantly higher in sham and atorvastatin groups than those in control group, P<0.01. The maximum thickness of intimal hyperplasia in control group was markedly higher than that in atorvastatin group,P<0.01. Conclusion:Atorvastatin might inhibit the process of vascular remodeling to prevent vascular restenosis by increasing ion pump activity of vascular smooth muscle cells.