ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of camosine on the injury of rat vascular endothelial cells(VECs) induced by hypoxia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The model of the injury of rat VECs induced by hypoxia was established. The effect of camosine on injury of VECs activity induced by hypoxia was determined by MTT assay. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in cell medium were measured with corresponding kit. The cell structure was observed under microscope after Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After culturing VECs with camosine (10 to 20 mmol/L) for 6 hours, the decrease in VECs activity induced by 12 and 24 hour hypoxia was inhibited. The release of LDH was also inhibited, and the integrity of cell structure remained.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Camosine has the protective effect on hypoxia injured VECs.</p>