Objective: To investigate the prevention by Tongxinluo capsule (TXL) of vascular lesions and its effect on the levels of protein and gene expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) of vascular wall in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS)

and to explore its possible mechanism against AS.Methods: AS models were established by feeding New Zealand white rabbits with high-cholesterol diet

and 24 immature rabbits were randomly divided into the control group

model group and treated group (treated with TXL capsule). The indexes of total cholesterol (TO and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were measured at the 16th week. The intima thickness and the plaque area of abdominal aorta were quantitatively analyzed by pathological morphological analysis

the expression of macrophage and smooth muscle cell (SMC) in intima were detected by immunohistochemical method and histologic segments were stained by Hematoxilin-Eosin (HE) to identify the degree of atherosclerotic lesion in the model group and the prevention by TXL. The LOX-1 gene and protein expression in abdominal aorta was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry

respectively.Results: In the model group

the levels of TC and LDL were significantly elevated

aortic intima thickened extensively

the intima area enhanced

and macrophages expression increased; the levels of LOX-1 gene and protein expression was up-regulated in endothelium and neo-intima of the abdominal aorta. The treatment with TXL reduced blood lipids

attenuated arterial intimai proliferation

markedly inhibited the expression of macrophage and excessively expressed the level of LOX-1.Conclusion: TXL has an inhibitory effect on blood lipids

and it can prevent the occurrence of vascular lesion and cure its development

and its protection against AS was possibly associated with a crucial endothelial protective action through lowering the expression of LOX-1 in vascular walls.