Matrine inhibits disturbed flow-enhanced migration via downregulation of ERK1/2-MLCK signaling vascular smooth muscle cells.

Background: To investigate the effects of matrine on the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration modulated by disturbed flow and their underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro.

Methods: Isolated rat aortic VSMCs were grown to confluence on 20- × 80-mm fibronectin-coated glass cover slides, and then, denuded zones were made at the position calculated to be the oscillating flow-reattachment zone and also in the downstream laminar flow region. VSMCs were treated with different doses of matrine (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L), or PD98059 (30 μM), ML-7 (10 μM) combined with matrine (40 mg/L) for 30 minutes before and during the experiments.