RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the mechanism of restenosis after angioplasty and to clarify the effect of thrombin and its receptor on restenosis development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Balloon catheter-induced injury was adopted to induce intimal hyperplasia of the carotid arteries in rats. Antisense thrombin receptor (ATR) cDNA was transfected by perfusing recombinant LXSN ATR plasmid/nanoparticle complex into the segment of the injured carotid artery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PCR result showed integration of the recombined gene. Dot blot showed the expression of antisense TR mediated by recombinant LXSN ATR plasmid/nanoparticle complex in the wall of common carotid arteries of the experimental group rats, which enabled to inhibit TR gene expression and intimal hyperplasia of the injured arteries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Thrombin and its receptor play an important role in the formation of neointima after the injury, which provides a potential clue in developing a new approach for prevention and treatment of restenosis after angioplasty.</p>