Abstract: Objective： To research the effects on proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by different doses of iodine. Methods： HUVECs were subjected to iodine in various concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 8.0μmol/L)for 24 hours, and the morphology of the cultured endothelium was observed. MTT colorimetry was used to determine the proliferation activities of the cultured endothelium. Results： Iodine significantly increased the number and MTT activities of vascular endothelial cells from 0.5μmol/L to 4.0μmol/L compared with the normal group at 24 hours. Cell morphology was normal under a microscope. The number and MTT activities of vascular endothelial cells were significantly increased by iodine at over 5.0μmol/L at 8 hours, but were decreased at 12 hours and later. Poison granules in the endothelium were produced by iodine at over 5.0μmol/L at 4 hours and increased in a dose-and time-manner. Conclusion： Iodine effects on the proliferation activity of endothelial cells are dose-and time-dependent.

Key words: Iodine, Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, Cell culture, Proliferation