Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effects of angiotensin II (AngII) in different concentrations and different action times on the rate of apoptosis and expression of apoptosis genes in vascular smooth muscle cells and the influences of fosinopril on it.METHODS: Flow cytometer was used to measure the apoptosis rate and the expression of apoptosis genes (Fas and Bcl-2) induced by AngII in different concentrations and different action times and the influence caused by fosinopril.RESULTS: The rate of apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis genes were induced and increased by AngII with the increase of concentrations and action times compared with that in the control group.The expression of Fas was increased and Bcl-2 was decreased with the increase of the concentrations and action times of AngII in fosinopril group compared with that in the AngII group.CONCLUSION: The apoptosis rate and the expression of apoptosis genes are induced and increased by angiotensin II with the increase of the concentrations and the action times.Fosinopril has the regulation effect on the apoptosis rate and the expression of apoptosis genes in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Key words: angiotensin II, vascular smooth muscle, cell apoptosis and apoptosis gene, fosinopril