ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the inhibition effect of celastrol on neovascularization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effect of celastrol on the in vitro proliferation of endothelial cell of vessel (ECV) was examined by MTT assay. The effect of celastrol on endothelial cell migration, tube formation on Matrigel and Chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis was also examined. Matrigel plug assay was used to evaluate the effect of celastrol on angiogenesis in vivo.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proliferation of ECV was inhibited significantly by celastrol with IC(50) being 1.33 microg/ml. Celastrol inhibited endothelial cell migration and tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. Celastrol also inhibited angiogenesis both in Matrigel plug of mouse model and in chick chorioallantoic membranes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Celastrol, which can inhibit angiogenesis, could be developed as an antiangiogenic drug.</p>