Effects of Estrogen Level on the Function of Vascular Endothelial Cells and Expression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1(?)

Objectives To ob-serve the effect of different estrogen levels on the secretory function of vascular endothelial cells of female rats, and study the effect of modulation of estrogen level on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule - 1 and the concentration of estrogen receptor in vascular endothelial cells. Methods Radioim-munology was used to measure the serum concentration of endothelin and PGI2, and copper - cadmium reduction was employed to measure the serum content of nitrogen monoxide. Radioligand binding and flowcy-tometry were used to measure the expression of estrogen receptor and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM - 1) of vascular endothelial cells respectively. Results 1. The serum concentration of nitric oxide and PGI2 decreased when the ovaries of female rats were removed. In ovariectomized rats, given estrogen, the concentration rose ( P < 0. 05), but the plasma concentration of endothelin was adverse to it. 2. The concentration of estrogen receptor of vascular endothelial cells decreased remarkably when the ovaries of female rats were removed. When given estrogen, it increased. 3. The percent of expressed VCAM - 1 increased significantly after interleukin - 1βoperated on the cells, but 17 -βestradiol at 3 × 10-8 - 10-6 mol/l all decreased the percent. Conclusions Estrogen level can influence the secretion of nitrogen monoxide, PGI2 and endothlin of vascular endothelial cells, and also influence the concentration of estrogen receptor of vascular endothelial cells. 17 -β Estradiol at 3 × 10-8 -10-6 M can decrease the elevation of VCAM - 1 of vascular endothelial cells induced by interleukin - 1β.

Cytokine-Induced Cell Surface Expression of Adhesion Molecules in Vascular Endothelial Cells In vitro

Regulation of the adhesion molecules expression by cytokine in vascular endothelial cells was investigated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with cytokines, TNF α (1-250 U/ml) or IL 1β (0.1-50 U/ml) for 24 h. HUVEC were also cultured with cytokines, TNF α (100 U/ml) or IL 1β (10 U/ml), for 4-72 h, cell surface expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM 1 and VCAM 1) were detected and quantitated by immunocytochemical methods and computerized imaging analysis technique. Adhesion molecules expression were up regulated by TNF α, IL 1β in a concentration and time dependent manner. Some significant differences were observed between the effects of cytokines on the ICAM 1 and on VCAM 1 expression. Cytokines might directly induce the expression of ICAM 1 and VCAM 1 in vascular endothelial cells. Our observations indicate differential functions of the two adhesion molecules during the evolution of inflammatory responses in stroke.

Molecular basis of the adhesive process of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to vascular endothelial cells under endotoxin condition

The monocellular adhesive ability of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)to vascular endothelial cells (VEC) was observed with micromanipulation technique when the cells were treated with endotoxin, Anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies (McAb),anti-endothelial-leucocytic adhesion molecule-l (ELAM-l)McAb and anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) McAb and the effects of these 3 adhesion molecules on the development of adhesion force between PMNs and VECs were investigated. It was found that CD18 McAb decreased obviously the adhesive ability of PMNs in the whole course of adhesion increasing and the McAbs of ELAM-1 and ICAMI-1 inhibited most of adhesive force of VECs in the 4th and 12th hour of the course respectively.These findings suggest that the main molecular basis of rapid increase of adhesive ability of PMNs is CD18 expression and that of delayed increase of adhesive ability of VECs is ELAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression.

Integrin binding peptides facilitate growth and interconnected vascular-like network formation of rat primary cortical vascular endothelial cells in vitro

Neovascularization and angiogenesis in the brain are important physiological processes for normal brain development and repair/regeneration following insults. Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors mediating important function of cells such as survival, growth and development during tissue organization, differentiation and organogenesis. In this study, we used an integrin-binding array platform to identify the important types of integrins and their binding peptides that facilitate adhesion, growth, development, and vascular-like network formation of rat primary brain microvascular endothelial cells. Brain microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from rat brain on post-natal day 7. Cells were cultured in a custom-designed integrin array system containing short synthetic peptides binding to 16 types of integrins commonly expressed on cells in vertebrates. After 7 days of culture, the brain microvascular endothelial cells were processed for immunostaining with markers for endothelial cells including von Willibrand factor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule. 5-Bromo-2′-dexoyuridine was added to the culture at 48 hours prior to fixation to assess cell proliferation. Among 16 integrins tested, we found that α5β1, αvβ5 and αvβ8 greatly promoted proliferation of endothelial cells in culture. To investigate the effect of integrin-binding peptides in promoting neovascularization and angiogenesis, the binding peptides to the above three types of integrins were immobilized to our custom-designed hydrogel in three-dimensional(3 D) culture of brain microvascular endothelial cells with the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Following a 7-day 3 D culture, the culture was fixed and processed for double labeling of phalloidin with von Willibrand factor or platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and assessed under confocal microscopy. In the 3 D culture in hydrogels conjugated with the integrin-binding peptide, brain microvascular endothelial cells formed interconnected vascular-like network with clearly discernable lumens, which is reminiscent of brain microvascular network in vivo. With the novel integrin-binding array system, we identified the specific types of integrins on brain microvascular endothelial cells that mediate cell adhesion and growth followed by functionalizing a 3 D hydrogel culture system using the binding peptides that specifically bind to the identified integrins, leading to robust growth and lumenized microvascular-like network formation of brain microvascular endothelial cells in 3 D culture. This technology can be used for in vitro and in vivo vascularization of transplants or brain lesions to promote brain tissue regeneration following neurological insults.

Interindividual Heterogeneity of Hypoxic Response of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Intercellular Adhesive Molecule-1 in Monocytes from Diabetic Patients

Diabetic retinopathy （DR） is one of the leading causes of legal blindness worldwide. The development and progression of DR are related to a variety of factors, such as the age of onset, the duration and type of diabetes, and the level of blood glucose control.

Analysis of TNF-α-induced Leukocyte Adhesion to Vascular Endothelial Cells Regulated by Fluid Shear Stress Using Microfluidic Chip-based Technology

This paper aims to the research of the impact of fluid shear stress on the adhesion between vascular endothelial cells and leukocyte induced by tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) by microfliudic chip technology.Microfluidic chip was fabricated by soft lithograph; Endothelial microfluidic chip was constructed by optimizing types of the extracellular matrix proteins modified in the microchannel and cell incubation time;human umbilical vein endothelial cells EA.Hy926 lined in the microchannel were exposed to fluid shear stress of 1.68 dynes/cm^2 and 8.4 dynes/cm^2 respectively.Meanwhile,adhesion between EA.Hy926 cells and leukocyte was induced by TNF-αunder a flow condition.EA.Hy926 cell cultured in the static condition was used as control group.The numbers of fluorescently-labeled leukocyte in microchannel were counted to quantize the adhesion level between EA.Hy926 cells and leukocyte; cell immunofluorescence technique was used to detect the intercellular adhesion molecule(ICAM-1) expression.The constructed endothelial microfluidic chip can afford to the fluid shear stress and respond to exogenous stimulus of TNF-α; compared with the adhesion numbers of leukocyte in control group,adhesion between EA.Hy926 cells exposed to low fluid shear stress and leukocyte was reduced under the stimulus of TNF-α at a concentration of 10 ng/ml(P<0.05); leukocyte adhesion with EA.Hy926 cells exposed to high fluid shear stress was reduced significantly than EA.Hy926 cells in control group and EA.1Hy926 cells exposed to low fluid shear stress(P<0.01); the regulation mechanism of fluid shear stress to the adhesion between EA.Hy926 cells and leukocyte induced by TNF-αwas through the way of ICAM-1.The endothelial microfluidic chip fabricated in this paper could be used to study the functions of endothelial cell in vitro and provide a new technical platform for exploring the pathophysiology of the related cardiovascular system diseases under a flow environment.

Expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 between pancreatic microcirculation and peripheral circulation in rats with acute edematous pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE: To study the ehanges of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) expression on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in peripheral circulation anti pancreatic microcirculation in rats with acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP). METHODS: The model of AEP was established with 50 Wistar rats, and the changes of PECAM-1 expression on PMNs from the splenic vein and inferior vena cava were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: PECAM-I expression on PMNs showed no significant difference between pancreatic microcirculation and peripheral circulation at AEP2h and AEP4h time points. From the AEP4h to the AEP8h time point, PECAM-1 expression in peripheral circulation was up-regulated, but PECAM-1 expression in pancreatic microcirculation was down-regulated. PECAM-1 expression had a significant difference between pancreatic microcirculation and peripheral circulation at the AEP8h time point (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PECAM-1 expression on PMNs is in a converse way between pancreatic microcirculation and peripheral circulation in AEP.

Effects of TCMP-1 on the changes of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in acute edematous pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine is a potent agent in the management of clinical and experimental acute pancreatitis (AP), but the molecular mechanism of its the- rapeutic action is unclear. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown that platelet endothelial cell ad- hesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is pivotal to leukocyte re- cruitment, which results in microcirculatory injury during inflammation, but its role in acute pancreatitis is poorly un- derstood. We investigated the effects of a compound of tra- ditional Chinese medicine pancreatitis-1 (TCMP-1) on the changes of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) expression on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP). METHODS: The model of acute pancreatitis was estab- lished by subcutaneous injection of caerulein, and TCMP-1 treated groups were given TCMP-1 by catheterization from mouth to stomach (20 ml/kg) immediately after first time subcutaneous injection of caerulein. The changes of expres- sion of PECAM-1 on leukocytes from the blood of the splenic vein and inferior vena cava were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the AEP group, expression of PECAM-1 on PMNs was not significantly different between pancreatic microcirculation and systemic circulation at AEP2h and AEP4h time point. Then from AEP4h time point to AEP8h time point, expression of PECAM-1 was up-regulated in systemic circulation while it was down-regulated in pancre- atic microcirculation and was significantly different be- tween pancreatic microcirculation and systemic circulation at AEP8h time point (P<0.05). In the TCMP-1 treated group, compared with the AEP group, expression of PE-CAM-1 on PMNs decreased in different levels between pan- creatic microcirculation and systemic circulation and was of significant difference at AEP8h time point (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of PECAM-1 expression on PMNs may prevent PMNs from transmigration through the endo- thelium and may be one of the treatment mechanisms of TCMP-1 decoction on AEP.

Pingyangmycin-regulated Expressions of Adhesion Molecules in Human Venous Malformation Endothelial Cells

Pingyangmycin (bleomycin A5 hydrochloride,PYM) is one of the anti-neoplastic agents which have been commonly used to treat venous malformations.However,the underlying mechanism by which PYM treats venous malformations remains poorly understood.It was reported that venous endothelial cells could recruit neutrophils via adhesion molecules (E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3,VCAM-1) during the acute/chronic inflammation and subsequent histological fibrosis after sclerotherapy with PYM.This study explored if the expression of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 in human venous malformation endothelial cells could be affected by PYM.HVMECs were cultured from human venous malformation tissue.Expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 on HVMECs in response to PYM were analyzed by cell ELISA.The relative levels of mRNA expression in the cells were semi-quantified.The results showed that PYM up-regulated the expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-3,VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in both time-and concentration-dependent manner.Our findings suggested that PYM could induce the expression of adhesion molecules in HVMECs,which might be a possible mechanism by which sclerotherapy by intralesional injection of PYM treats venous malformations.

The relationship between platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and paraquat-induced lung injury in rabbits

BACKGROUND:Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(PECAM-1),also known as CD31,is mainly distributed in vascular endothelial cells.Studies have shown that PECAM-1 is a very significant indicator of angiogenesis,and has been used as an indicator for vascular endothelial cells.The present study aimed to explore the relationship between the expression of PECAM-1 and the degree of acute lung injury(ALI) and fibrosis in paraquat(PQ) induced lung injury in rabbits.METHODS:Thirty-six adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups(12rabbits in each group) according to PQ dosage:8 mg/kg(group A),16 mg/kg(group B),and 32 mg/kg(group C).After PQ infusion,the rabbits were monitored for 7 days and then euthanized.The lungs were removed for histological evaluation.Masson staining was used to determine the degree of lung fibrosis(LF),and semi-quantitative immune-histochemistry analysis to determine the expression of PECAM-1.Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the expression of PECAM-1 and the extent of lung injuries expressed by ALI score and degree of LF.RESULTS:Rabbits in the three groups showed apparent poisoning.The rabbits survived longer in group A than in groups B and C(6.47±0.99 days vs.6.09±1.04 days vs.4.77±2.04 days)(P<0.05).ALI score was lower in group A than in groups B and C(8.33±1.03 vs.9.83±1.17 vs.11.50±1.38)(P<0.05),and there was statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P=0.03).LF was slighter in group A than in groups B and C(31.09%±2.05%vs.34.37%±1.62%vs.36.54%±0.44%)(P<0.05),and there was statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P=0.026).The PEACAM-1 expression was higher in group A than in groups B and C(20.31%±0.70%vs.19.34%±0.68%vs.18.37%±0.46%)(P<0.05),and there was statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P=0.017).Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the expression of PECAM-1 was negatively correlated to both ALI score(Coe=-0.732,P=0.001)and degree of LF(Coe=-0.779,P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:The PECAM-1 expression significantly decreases in New Zealand rabbits after PQ poisoning,and the decrease is dose-dependent.The PECAM-1 expression is negatively correlated with ALI score and LF,showing a significant role in the development of lung injuries induced by PQ.

Hypoxia Inhibits Proliferation of Human Dermal Lymphatic Endothelial Cells via Downregulation of Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Expression

Objective:Lymphatic endothelial cell(LEC)proliferation is essential for lymphangiogenesis.Hypoxia induces lymphangiogenesis,but it directly inhibits LEC proliferation and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood.The aim of this study was to investigate the role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1(CEACAM1)in hypoxia-repressed LEC proliferation.Methods:Human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells(HDLECs)were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions,and cell proliferation was determined using MTT or CCK-8 assays.CEACAM1 expression was silenced by siRNA transfection.Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)was examined by Western blotting and blocked by specific inhibitors.Results:Under hypoxia,HDLECs proliferation was suppressed and CEACAM1 expression was downregulated.Silence of CEACAM1 in normoxia inhibited HDLECs proliferation and did not further decrease proliferation in HDLECs in response to hypoxia,suggesting that CEACAM1 may mediate hypoxia-induced inhibition of HDLECs proliferation.In addition,silence of CEACAM1 increased phosphorylation of MAPK molecules:extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK),p38 MAPK and Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)in HDLECs.However,only inhibition of the JNK pathway rescued the reduction of HDLEC proliferation induced by CEACAM1 silence.Conclusion:Our results suggested that hypoxia downregulates CEACAM1 expression by activation of the JNK pathway,leading to inhibition of HDLEC proliferation.These findings may help to understand the mechanisms of LEC-specific response to hypoxia and develop novel therapies for pathological lymphangiogenesis.

Knockdown of CD146 reduces the migration and proliferation of human endothelial cells

Our previous study has demonstrated that CD 146 molecule is a biomarker on vascular endothelium, which is involved in angiogenesis and tumor growth. However the mechanism behind is not clear. Here we have for the first time developed a novel CD146 blockade system using CD146 siRNA to study its function on endothelial cells. Our data showed that CD146 siRNA specifically blocked the expression of CD146 on both mRNA and protein levels, leading to the significant suppression of HUVEC proliferation, adhesion and migration. These results demonstrate that CD146 plays a key role in vascular endothelial cell activity and angiogenesis, and CD146 siRNA can be used as a new inhibitor for anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Antrodia Cinnamomea ameliorates neointimal formation by inhibiting infl ammatory cell infi ltration through downregulation of adhesion molecule expression in vitro and in vivo

The increased vascular infl ammation is a key event in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.Antrodia cinnamomea has been shown to promote anticancerogenic activity through decreasing infl ammation.However,the potential role of A.cinnamomea in cardiovascular diseases remains unexplored.Herein,using carotid arterial ligation models,we found that ethanol extract from A.cinnamomea(EEAC)signifi cantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia in a dose-dependent manner,accompanied with the reduced expression of activated p65 and infl ammatory cytokines.We also show that EEAC ameliorated TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of p65 and pro-infl ammatory cytokine expression in both vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)and macrophages in vitro.Mechanistically,EEAC suppressed expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)and vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM-1)in VSMCs,which attenuates the ability of monocytes/macrophages adhesion to VSMCs.Furthermore,the expression level of these adhesion molecules and infi ltration of monocytes/macrophages were also decreased in neointimal VSMCs of arteries pretreated with EEAC.Altogether,our results reveal a novel function of A.cinnamomea in suppressing vascular infl ammation upon ligation injury during neointimal formation,likely through inhibition of infl ammatory cell infi ltration via downregulating the adhesion molecules in VSMCs.Thus,A.cinnamomea may offer a pharmacological therapy to slow down disease progression in patients with vascular injury.

Changes in serum cellular adhesion molecule and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in patients with cerebral infarction following hyperbaric oxygen therapy A case and intergroup control study

BACKGROUND： Animal studies have confirmed that hyperbaric oxygen （HBO） therapy can reduce matrix metalloproteinase activity and blood brain barrier permeability, thereby exhibiting neuroprotective effects. However, at present, consensus does not exist in terms of its clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE： To validate the significance of changes in serum cellular adhesion molecule and MMP-9 levels in patients with cerebral infarction following HBO therapy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled, neurobiochemical study was performed at the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College between December 2002 and March 2006. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 112 patients with acute cerebral infarction of internal carotid artery, comprising 64 males and 48 females, averaging （67 ±11） years, were recruited and randomized to a HBO group （n = 50） and a routine treatment group （n = 62）. An additional 30 gender- and age-matched normal subjects, consisting of 17 males and 13 females, averaging （63 ± 9） years, were enrolled as control subjects. METHODS： The routine treatment group received routine drug treatment and rehabilitation exercise. HBO treatment was additionally performed in the HBO group, once a day, for a total of 10 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, soluble E-selectin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS： Upon admission, serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, soluble E-selectin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly increased in patients with cerebral infarction, compared with control subjects （P 〈 0.01）. Following HBO and routine treatments, serum levels of the above-mentioned indices were significantly reduced in the HBO and routine treatment groups （P 〈 0.01）. Moreover, greater efficacy was observed in the HBO group, compared with the routine treatment group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Intergroup comparison and case-control results indicated that HBO noticeably reduced serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, soluble E-selectin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on endothelial cell injury

Objective: To observe the changes of plasma concentrations of endotoxin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor α, and urinary microalbumin in children undergoing cardiac procedure and to study the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on the injury or activation of endothelial cells and vascular permeability. Methods: Twenty children undergoing cardiac operation with CPB were selected in the study. Plasma concentrations of endotoxin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor α, and urinary microalbumin were measured after anesthetic induction (baseline), bypass for 20 minutes, at the end of CPB, and at 2, 4, and 18 h after the end of CPB. Results: The plasma concentrations of endotoxin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and urinary microalbumin began to increase at 2 h after the end of CPB, and remained higher than that of the baseline, while the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α increased only at the end CPB and at 2 h after the end of CPB. Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary bypass can induce inflammatory response, resulting in the activation or injury of vascular endothelial cells, and can increase the vascular permeability.

Ubiquitin Reduces Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecules and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Lung Tissue of Experimental Acute Lung Injury

Background Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two important cytokines in inflammatory response, which may induce rolling and adhesion of both leukocytes and lymphocytes, while modulating vascular permeability at the same time. These adhesion molecules usually serve as surrogate markers of activation and injury of vascular endothelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key factor to induce the expression and production of the above cell adhesion molecules. However, it remains to be elucidated whether exogenous ubiquitin exerts any effect on the cytokines in sepsis-induced ALI. Methods Sixty mice were devided randomly into five groups with twelve mice in each group, i.e. CLP group, SHAM group, UB1 group (10 mg/kg), UB2 group (5 mg/kg) and UB3 group(1 mg/kg). Mice of SHAM group underwent sham operation, and other four groups underwent CLP. Six hours after surgery, mice of three UB groups received ubiquitin by caudal vein injection while CLP and SHAM group received vehicle. Seven hours after surgery, blood and lungs of all mice were collected. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of 9% lung homogenate and serum TNF-α level were measured by ELISA. Results Pulmonary ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of three UB groups were lower than CLP and SHAM group, and there were several comparisons with a statistically significant difference. Serum TNF-α level of three UB groups were slightly lower than CLP group, but far higher than SHAM group. Pulmonary ICAM-1 level, VCAM-1 level and serum TNF-α level of UB3 group were lower than UB1 and UB2 group, and there was a significant difference in VCAM-1 between UB3 and UB1 group. Pulmonary TNF-α level of UB3 group was slightly higher than UB1 and UB2 group.

Effects of anisodamine on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in experimental infusion phlebitis

Background Infusion phlebitis is the most common side effect of clinical intravenous drug therapy and several clinical studies have demonstrated that anisodamine can effectively prevent the occurrence of infusion phlebitis.This study was designed to investigate effects of anisodamine on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 （ICAM-1） in a rabbit model of infusion phlebitis and to analyze the mechanisms of anisodamine effect on the prevention and treatment of experimental infusion phlebitis.Methods Twenty-four specific pathogen-free male Japanese white rabbits were randomly assigned to the control group,the model group,the magnesium sulfate group and the anisodamine group.The rabbit model of infusion phlebitis,induced by intravenous administration,was established and expressions of VEGF and ICAM-1 were determined and contrasted with the control group treated with normal saline.We evaluated expression by histopathology,immunohistochemistry,reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and Western blotting assay.Results Pathohistological changes of the model group were observed,such as loss of venous endothelial cells,inflammatory cell infiltration,edema and thrombus.The magnesium sulfate group and the anisodamine group showed significant protective effects on vascular congestion,inflammatory cell infiltration,proliferation,swelling of endothelium and perivascular hemorrhage.The model group showed the highest expressions of VEGF and ICAM-1 of the four groups （P〈0.01）.On the contrary,anisodamine alleviated the inflammatory damage by significantly reducing the expressions of VEGF and ICAM-1 compared with the model group （P 〈0.01）.There was no significant difference in the expressions of VEGF and ICAM-1 between the magnesium sulfate group and the anisodamine group （P 〉0.05）.Conclusion Anisodamine alleviates inflammatory damage by significantly reducing the expressions of VEGF and ICAM-1,and shows significant protective effects