ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression changes of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) in vascular smooth muscle cells in balloon injury of carotid artery in rat in order to explore the proliferation mechanism of vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods A rat model of vascular restenosis induced by injury to the carotid arteries due to balloon dilatation was reproduced in present study. A total of 18 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 each): control group, 7-day group and 14-day group after balloon injury to the carotid artery. The expression of STIM1 mRNA in vascular smooth muscle cells was assayed with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the STIM1 protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The histopathology of the arteries was examined after by HE staining. Results Intima area/media area ratio (IA/MA) was significantly increased in 7-day group after balloon injury than in control group (P