Aim To investigate the effect of simvastatin on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA. Methods The atherosclerotic vessel injured model was established and male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups randomly: normal control group, atherosclerotic injured group, low dose simvastatin group and high dose simvastatin group. The rats were put to death after 4 weeks. The serum lipid and the ratio of intima/ (intima + media) of thoracic aorta and left common carotid artery were detected, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor on blood vessel was determined by immunohistochemistory and RT-PCR method. Results Simvastatin didn’t show biphasic effect on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Low dose simvastatin didn’t promote the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, while high dose simvastatin showed inhibition effect on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, which was independent on lipid decreased. Simvastatin could diminish the vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression of vascular smooth muscle cells. Moreover, high dose simvastatin could significantly decrease the vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression. Conclusions Simvastatin might have inhibitive effect on vascular smooth muscle cells by decreasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in vascular smooth muscle cells.