The effect of endotoxin-stimulated proliferation on porcine aorta smooth muscle cells(SMC) was investigated.The results show that a low level of endotoxin can accelerate SMC proliferation with a dose dependent relationship to a certain degree(The most significant effect appears when endotoxin concentration in medium is 107g/ml).and nifedipine exerts an inhibitory influence on this multiplication.We hereby conclude that:(1)endotoxin may associate with the formation and development of atherosclerosis by stimulating SMC multiplication;(2) the endotoxin -accelerated ...