Abstract:

To explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of irbesartan on regression of atherosclerotic plaque (AP). Methods40 rabbits were divided into the control group（n=10）and the experimental group(n=30). The control group was fed with a normal diet, while the experimental group was fed with a cholesterol diet for 12 weeks, then was fed with a normal diet and divided into the regression control group (n=10), the simvastatin group (n=10) and the irbesartan group (n=10), which were respectively administrated with simvastatin and irbesartan for 12 weeks. Levels of plasma lipids, intima thickness and media thickness of AP were determined. Expressions of VCAM1, FGF2 and Bcl2 in AP were determined by immunohistochemical technique. ResultsCompared with the regression control group, ① there was no significant effect on levels of plasma lipids in the irbesartan group(P>0.05); ② The intima thickness, intima thickness/media thickness and expressions of VCAM1 and FGF2 were significantly decreased and those of Bcl2 were prominently increased in the irbesartan group（P<0.05）. ConclusionIrbesartan has a potential antiatherogen effect by influencing expressions of VCAM1, FGF2 and Bcl2.

Key words: Atherosclerosis； Irbesartan； Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule1； Fibroblast Growth Factor2； Genes， Bcl2； Rabbit