Tanshinone inhibits intimal hyperplasia in the ligated carotid artery in mice

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is considered to play a central role in the development of intimal hyperplasia with pathological artery healing. Danshen, the Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., has long been regarded as an effective traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the effects of tanshinone (TA), the lipid-soluble pharmacological constituents of danshen, on the intima hyperplasia and proliferating state of VSMC were described in a mouse carotid artery injured by complete cessation of blood flow. This study showed that oral administration of TA could significantly decrease the intimal thickening of injured vessels and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive VSMC in intimal area. These results suggested that the suppressive effects of TA on intimal hyperplasia might partly result from its inhibitory effect against VSMC proliferation.