The effects of simvastatin on intimal hyperplasia and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation of balloon-injured femoral artery in experimental rabbits

Objective To evaluate the effects of simvastatin on vascular stenosis and vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC) proliferation of balloon-injured femoral artery in experimental rabbits. Methods A total of 24 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into three groups: the sham group(n = 8), the artery stenosis model group(n = 8) and the simvastatin group(n = 8). Femoral artery stenosis was induced by injuries with balloon in both the model group and the simvastatin group, except for the sham group. The rabbits in simvastatin group were fed with simvastatin. The rabbits were sacrificed on the 14th day after operation, and the femoral arteries were removed and sent for the pathological examination. The internal elastic lamina, external elastic lamina and luminal areas were measured. Then the areas of intima, media and the intima-to-media ratio were calculated. In order to observe the proliferation of VSMC, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) expression of arterial wall was tested and observed by immunohistochemistry method.Results In comparison with the model group, the average luminal area of the simvastatin group was increased although the difference was not statistically significant(P = 0.057). The area of intima of simvastatin group was decreased(P = 0.006), and the intima-to-media ratio was notably decreased, but the difference was of no statistic significance(P = 0.16). The PCNA expression of arterial wall was remarkably decreased(P = 0.003). Conclusion Simvastatin can effectively inhibit the intimal hyperplasia and the vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation of balloon-injured femoral artery in experimental rabbits.