Aim To investigate the effect of lovastatin on secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP 3) in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of rabbits. Methods Expression of MMP 3 was detected by Western blot, AP 1 binding activity was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), mRNA level of MMP 3 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). Results Interleukin 1α (IL 1α) combined with platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB) strongly increased the expression of MMP 3 at VSMC. Lovastatin inhibited the upregulated expression of MMP 3 by IL 1α and PDGF BB in a concentration dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was reversed by mevalonate and GGPP, but not by squalene. Lovastatin decreased AP 1 binding activity enhanced by IL 1α and PDGF BB, but had no significant effect on MMP 3 mRNA level. Conclusion Lovastatin inhibited MMP 3 secretion at VSMC, which could contribute to its plaque stablising effects.