Abstract:

Objective  To investigate whether mTOR pathway participates in the effect of AMPK on the proliferation of the vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs). Methods  VSMCs were primarily cultured by explant method from the thoracic aorta of male SD rats. AICAR in different concentrations was added. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay, mTOR′s mRNA expression by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and p-AMPK and p-mTOR activation by Western blot.  Results  Compared with the control group, AICAR intervention group could inhibit, both time-and dose-dependently, the growth of VSMCs (P＜0.05); AICAR (0.5mmol/L) could activate AMPK to p-AMPK; the mRNA expressions of mTOR and p-mTOR were significantly suppressed in AICAR intervention groups(P＜0.05). Conclusions  AICAR in different concentrations  could activate AMPK by phosphorylation in VSMCs, and the activation of AMPK may inhibit the VSMCs, proliferation through the mTOR pathway.

Key words: AMP-activated protein kinase；  Smooth muscle cells； Blood vessels; Mammalian target of rapamycin