Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of pharmacological activity of tilianin by observing the effects of Dracocephalum total flavoes on proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)induced by TNF-α. Method: The rat VSMCs were cultured in vitro

and the purity of cells was identified by SABC-Cy3 immunofluroescence technique. Cell proliferation model was established by stimulation with 0.02 mg·L-1 TNF-α. After TNF-α stimulation

cells were treated with three dose of Dracocephalum total flavoes(25

50

100 mg·L-1);MTT assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of cells. The expression of intracellular proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)were measured by immunoenzymatic histochemistry. Result: Compared with control group

three dose groups of Dracocephalum total flavoes could inhibit

in varying degrees

the proliferation and expression of intracellular PCNA of VSMCs induced by TNF-α

in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The Dracocephalum total flavoes could inhibit the proliferation of VSMC induced by TNF-α

which might be one of pharmacological mechanisms of Dracocephalum total flavoes in treatment for atherosclerosis.