Aim To eclucidate whether Heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB EGF) and platelet derived growth factor A (PDGF A) were implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Methods 16 healthy chinese rabbits were randomly divided into common feed group and high lipid feed group. After 12 weeks the levels of HB EGF mRNA and PDGF A mRNA in the aortic walls were measured by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR)assay. Results The levels of HB EGF mRNA were significantly higher in atherosclerotic rabbit aortic walls in high lipid feed group than in common feed group, while the levels of PDGF A mRNA were significantly lower in atherosclerotic rabbit aortic walls in high lipid feed group than in common feed group. Conclusion HB EGF might play important roles in the formation of atherosclerosis, while PDGF A might have no effects on the progression of atherosclerosis.