Aim To observe the effects of propranolol on peripheral blood leucocyte CD11a expression of experimental hyperlipemia rabbits and the formation of atherosclerosis. Methods Twenty-one male rabbits were divided into three groups: normal group,model group and propranolol group[5 mg/(kg.d)]. Rabbits of last two groups were fed on 0.5% cholesterol and 5% lard diet for 16 weeks and were injected with 10% bovine serum albumin.Peripheral blood adhesion molecule CD11a were detected with flow cytometry. The aortas were harvested for histomorphometric observation and quantitative analysis. The ratio of atherosclerotic plaque area to intimal area and content of macrophage were detected. Results Compared with model group,propranolol group showed that the lesion degree of atherosclerotic plaque lessened significantly and normal group were not found the formation of atheroslerosis.In propranolol group,the ratio of atherosclerotic plaque area to intima area and content of macrophage and the positive percentage of peripheral blood leucocyte CD11a expression were 59.1%±11.3%,56.3%±4.9%,61.9%±4.2% respectively. In model group,they were 78.3%±6.7%,70.6%±5.6%,74.3%±3.6% respectively,propranolol group decreased significantly(p<0.05). Conclusion Propranolol can postpone the formation of atherosclerosis through lessening the inflammation in the lesion of atherosclerosis of rabbits and increase the stability of atherosclerotic plaque.