Abstract:Aim To study the effects of stichopus variegates compound on the iliac arterial endothelial function and ultrastructure of rabbits after transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) of iliac atherosclerosis model. Methods 50 purebred New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: Stichopus,Simvastatin,model and normal group. Endothelium of iliac arteries in the front three groups were denuded by balloon catheter and fed with 2% cholesterol,3% lard and 3% yolk mixed forage for six weeks,and then,atherosclerotic stenosis was showed by iliac angiography. Stichopus group [0.5 g/(kg·d)] and Simvastatin group [0.5 mg/(kg·d)] were fed by gastric canal in mouth cavity. At the same time NaCl solution (0.9%) were fed in model group. All the rabbits were fed in different cages and not limited drinking. After four weeks since TBA,blood was collected from left carotid artery to measure the changes of concentrations of endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide(NO). Results ①After four weeks since TBA,the concentrations of plasm ET in model groups were higher than the one in the Simvastatin and Stichopus groups,and the concentrations of serum NO decreased obviously; the concentrations of plasm ET in Stichopus groups had an increasing tendency compared with Simvastatin and normal groups. ②After four weeks since TBA,neointimal mean thickness of segment operated TBA in model groups increased significantly,compared with Simvastatin and Stichopus groups. There were greater extent of lumen stenosis in model groups than the one in Simvastatin and Stichopus groups. ③Compared with model groups there were small vessel smooth muscle cell body and nucleus,less organelles and more myofilament contents,better cell differentiation,and less lipid droplet were phagocyted in Simvastatin and Stichopus groups under the transmission electron microscope. ④There were less platelets adherence in Simvastatin and Stichopus groups under scanning electron microscope. Conclusion Stichopus variegatus compound can significantly inhibit vessel smooth muscle cells proliferation,lessen neointimal thickness,enlarge luminal areas,decrease extent of lumen stenosis and protect endothelial function after iliac arterial transluminal angioplasty of rabbits.