Objective: To observe the protective effect of Danju Capsule on vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ). Method: The Ang Ⅱ-induced contraction of rat aortic rings was tested in tissue bath. The expression of endothelin ( ET)-1 mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated by Ang II. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB) and its inhibitor (IκB-α) were detected by Western blot in HUVEC. Result: The results showed that 1×10- 7 mol ·L-1 Ang Ⅱ increased contraction of rat aortic rings

ET-1mRNA expression

ERK1/2 phosphorylation

NF-κB p65 displacement and IκB-α phosphorylation degradation

which were significantly inhibited by Danju Capsule in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Ang Ⅱ may be involved in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases by injuring vascular endothelium directly and causing endothelial dysfunction. Danju Capsule was shown to protect against Ang Ⅱ induced endothelial dysfunction

suggesting that Danju Capsule may play a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.