The stimulating effects of neuropeptide Y on cultured arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation and losartan treatment

AIM:To investigate the interplay between the neuropeptide Y(NPY) and renin-angiotensin system, and relationship to the pathogenesis of hypertension. METHODS: The method of cellular culture, MTT colorimetric assay and quantitative immunocytochemistry through ACAS570 were performed for the effect of neuropeptide Y on proliferation of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and losartan treatment. RESULTS:It was observed that exposure of VSMC to neuropeptide Y could stimulate the proliferation of VSMC and caused increase respectively in MTT OD values and expression of proliferating cell nulear antigen(PCNA) but losartan interfered with NPY stimulating effects on VSMC and decreased MTT OD values and expression of PCNA.CONCLUSION:These results demonstrated that the NPY could promote proliferation of VSMC, this effect was partly preformed through angiotensin Ⅱ receptor.