Regulation of bFGF-induced effects on rat aortic smooth muscle cells by β-adrenergic receptors.

Background: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration play an important role in vascular injury-induced neointima formation and subsequent vascular restenosis, a major event that hinders the long-term success of angioplasty. The function of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) in vascular injury-induced neointima formation has not yet been defined.

Objectives: Our current study explored the possible role of β-ARs in vascular injury-induced neointima formation by testing its effects on bFGF-induced VSMC migration and proliferation.