ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Xuezhikang (XZhK) on the neointimal proliferation and C-myc gene expression after angioplasty in rabbits. METHODS: Angioplasty for atherosclerotic stenosis of celiac arteries was performed in 30 male white rabbits after being fed with cholesterol-supplemented diet for 8 weeks, which were then randomized to control group, high-cholesterol group and XZhK group. After 4 weeks, the local vessels were collected for morphological observation. C-myc mRNA level was measured with RT-PCR and C-myc protein with immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Morphological observation showed that the neointimal area in the XZhK group were less than the control group (P < 0.05), and that in control group were less than that in the high-cholesterol group (P < 0.05). The levels of C-myc mRNA measured with RT-PCR and the percentage of C-myc protein positive cell by immunohistochemical analysis were lower in the XZhK group than in the control and high-cholesterol group (P < 0.05), The levels in the latter two groups showed no difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: XZhK can inhibit the neointimal proliferation and the expression of C-myc gene after angioplasty in rabbits.