Objective: To observe the effect of Icariin on the levels of osteopontin(OPN) in rat carotid artery injured by balloon and to evaluate the mechanisms of inhibiting intima hyperplasia. Method: Fourty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group

model group and icariin 60 mg·kg-1 group and icariin 120 mg·kg-1 group. Rat carotid balloon injury restenosis model was established. Rats of icariin group were treated with drugs for 2 or 4 weeks. The expression of OPN mRNA were assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry strategy analysis. Result: Compared with model group

the icariin group significantly decreased the expression of OPN at 14 and 28 day after injury (P<0.01). The difference between two doses was not significant. Conclusion: Icariin could inhibit neointimal proliferation of rat carotid artery injured by balloon. The mechanism might be related to the effects of icariin for decreasing level of OPN

and inhibiting the migration and proliferation of vascular smoothmuscle cells.