Abstract:Aim To observe the effect of atorvastatin on the autophagy of THP-1 macrophages. Methods The Hank’s solution was used to induce the autophagy of THP-1 macrophages. Cells were randomized into four groups: the blank control group and atorvastatin groups the cells were incubated with normal medium in group Ⅰ, Hank’s solution in group Ⅱ, containing low concentration of atorvastatin (1 μmol/L) in Hank’s solution in group Ⅲ, containing high concentration of atorvastatin (5 μmol/L) in Hank’s solution in group Ⅳ respectively. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect LC3-FITC dot clustering. Transmission electron microscope was used to detect the autophagy. Result Compared with the control group, the macrophages autophagic vacuoles of both groups of containing atorvastatin medium occupied a total area of cytoplasm increased significantly (P<0.05), and the high concentration group was not increased more significantly than the low (P=0.079). Conclusion Atorvastatin could promote the autophagy of THP-1 macrophages.