Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effects of all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) on cell apoptosis and p53 expression in rabbits' carotid atherosclerosis. Methods40 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided 4 groups: normal group (NOR), control group (CON), surgery group (SUR) and treat group (TRE). Each group was fed with high cholesterol forage. The SUR and TRE groups were made up carotid atherosclerotic model by air desiccation injury after 2 weeks. The TRE group was fed with ATRA before surgery. On the 2nd and 4th week after operation, the target vessel was taken out. The intima hyperplasia was observed by microscopy through HE staining. Cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining and p53 was observed by immunohistochemistry staining. ResultsOn the 4th week, the area of neointima in SUR, TRE and CON were (0.389±0.021) mm², (0.113±0.038) mm², (0.069±0.016) mm² (P<0.01). The positive cells rate of TUNEL (8.40±0.45)% and p53 (3.02±0.38)% in TRE were higher than those of SUR (8.59±0.42)% and (2.23±0.29)%, respectively (P<0.01). ConclusionATRA may induce cell apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaque and inhibit the proliferation of intima associated with p53 in vessel injury.

Key words: atherosclerosis, all-transretinoic acid, intimal proliferation, apoptosis, p53