ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression and changes of protooncogene c-myc in early restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using New Zealand Rabbits, carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (CASS) model were created. The expression of c-myc in early restenosis after CEA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In this experiment protooncogene c-myc was analysed at pre-operation, 4 hours and 1 d after CEA by qRT-PCR, and the level of mRNA of c-myc was reached maximum at 4 hours, and decreased following significantly, but still higher than pre-operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The activation of protooncogene c-myc may be generator factor of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.</p>