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.