Aim To explore the molecular mechanisms of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration stimulated by newborn calf serum (NCS) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and the mechanism of heparin inhibition on VSMC migration induced by NCS. Methods Rat osteopontin cDNA probe was amplified by RT PCR. After hydroxyurea inhibited VSMC proliferation induced by bFGF and NCS, osteopontin gene expression and cell energy exchange were respectively analyzed by Northern blotting and creatine kinase NAC kit. Results Northern blotting results showed that bFGF and NCS could induce VSMC osteopontin gene expression. However, heparin could inhibit osteopontin gene expression induced by NCS. Creatine kinase activity in VSMC stimulated by bFGFand NCS increased by 76% and 61%, respectively, as compared with that of the control (P<0.05), and creatine kinase activity of the NCS+heparin group was 22% lower than that of the NCS group. Conclusion VSMC migration stimulated by NCS or bFGF and heparin inhibition on VSMC migration induced by NCS were related with osteopontin gene expression and increased energy exchange.