Dibutyryl cyclic AMP decreases proliferative activity and the cholesteryl ester content in cultured cells of atherosclerotic human aorta

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DB cAMP) decreases by 2-5-fold the uptake of labeled thymidine into the intimal cells isolated from atherosclerotic human aorta. This effect depends on the DB cAMP concentration and the duration of its action. 0.1–1.0 mM concentration of DB cAMP reduces the level of cholesteryl esters in cells taken from atherosclerotic lesions by 1.5-2-fold. It is assumed that cAMP derivatives, and compounds which increase its intracellular content may impede the development of such atherosclerotic manifestations as smooth muscle cell proliferation and lipoidosis.