Troglitazone inhibits angiotensin II‐induced DNA synthesis and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract
Angiotensin II (AII) plays a crucial role in controlling the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present study was undertaken to determine if troglitazone (Tro) has an effect on the G‐protein coupled signaling through AII type I (AT‐1) receptors in cultured rat aortic VSMCs. AII‐induced MAP kinase activation was inhibited 67.9% by Tro. AII‐induced DNA synthesis and migration was completely inhibited by Tro or by the AT‐1 receptor blocker irbesartan. The present study demonstrates that troglitazone inhibits AII‐induced DNA synthesis, migration and MAP kinase activation in VSMCs which are important molecular events for the development of neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis.