Valsartan inhibits angiotensin II-stimulated proliferation of smooth muscle cells from human coronary artery.

OBJECTIVES: Angiotensin II is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by inducing hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Little is known whether the sartans can inhibit the angiotensin-stimulated proliferation of smooth muscle cells. METHOD: The effect of valsartan on the angiotensin II-stimulated proliferation of smooth muscle cells from human coronary artery was investigated. RESULTS: Angiotensin II significantly increased cell proliferation by about 30% at a concentration of 10(-6) M without significant changes at the lower concentrations 10(-7) and 10(-8) M. Valsartan at the dosages 10(-8) to 10(-6) M had no effect on serum-stimulated proliferation. Valsartan at the dosages 10(-6) and 10(-7) M inhibited the cell proliferation induced by 10(-6) M angiotensin. CONCLUSION: Valsartan may prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting angiotensin-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.