Effects of valsartan on activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells induced by angiotensin II

Objective To study the effect of valsartan on the activity of MMP-2 in isolated rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)stimulated by angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ).Methods VSMCs from the rat thoracic aorta were cultured by attachment-block culture.VSMCs were treated with angiotensin Ⅱ and valsartan.The activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)was determined by zymogram.Results Angiotensin Ⅱ significantly enhanced the activity of MMP-2 of VSMCs.Observation was made at four time points:6 h,12 h,24 h and 48 h.The activity of MMP-2 was strongest at 12 h,and then gradually decreased.Therefore,12 h was selected as a time end point to observe the drug effect,and valsartan significantly inhibited the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ on the activity of MMP-2 with significant statistical difference.Conclusions Angiotensin Ⅱ enhances the activity of MMP-2 of VSMCs.Valsartan inhibits the activity enhancement of MMP-2 of VSMCs induced by angiotensin Ⅱ.