Objective: To study the influence of Gegen Tongmaiyin on vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BIP) expression of endoplasmic endoplasmicreticulum stress gene in homocysteine-induced rabbits

and to explore its preventive mechanism on atherosclerosis. Method: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into five groups:normal group

high-fat diet model group

rosuvastatin group (1 mg·kg-1·d-1)

low-and high-dose Gegen Tongmaiyin group (5

10 g·kg-1·d-1). Each group was given the corresponding diet and drug. After nine weeks

the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC)

triglycerides (TG)

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were detected by enzymatic assays. Pathological change and BIP expression of vascular were detected. Result: Compared to high-fat diet model group

plasma TC

TG

LDL in rosuvastatin group and Gegen Tongmaiyin group were decreased

while plasma HDL was increased with significant difference (P<0.05

P<0.01). Compared to high-fat diet model group

BIP expression was down-regulated in rosuvastatin group

low-and high-dose Gegen Tongmaiyin group with significant difference (P<0.05

P<0.01). Pathological result indicated that Gegen Tongmaiyin could inhibited the development of atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Gegen Tongmaiyin could prevente atherosclerosis

which is related to the regulation of BIP expression.