Effect of arsenic trioxide on endothelial cells proliferation and nitric oxide production

Objective To investigate the effect of As2O3 on proliferation of human umbilical endothelial cells,and nitric oxide( NO) release,and to evaluate the value of NO in inhibiting restenosis. Methods Cultured cells were divided into seven groups,one as control group,the other six groups were incubated with As2O3 at deferent concentrations( 0. 01,0. 1,0. 5,1,5,10 μmol / L). Effect of As2O3 on proliferation of human umbilical endothelial cells( ECV-304) was detected by 3H-TdR assay at 24 h,48 h,72 h and nitric oxide( NO) production was elected. Results When the concentration of As2O3 was lower than 1 μmol / L,it had no effect on endothelial cells proliferation. When the concentration of As2O3 was lower than 0. 1 μmol / L,it had no effect on NO production. NO production was reduced in dose dependent manner,when endothelial cells were incubated in As2O3 within the concentration range of 0. 5 ~ 10 μmol / L.Conclusions When the concentration of As2O3 is lower than 0. 1 μmol / L,it has no effect on endothelial cells proliferation and NO production. As2O3 within the concentration range of 0. 1 ~ 1 μmol / L can reduce NO production,but has no effect on endothelial cells proliferation. As2O3 at low concentration may be used to reduce restenosis.