BACKGROUND: Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were the main component of artery medial layer.Modulation of VSMCs phenotype, VSMCs migration, and hypertrophy are recognized as key events in the development of arterial lesions in vascular diseases, such as vascular calcification, atherosclerosis,pulmonary hypertension, and restenosis after coronary artery bypass graft and stent implantation.Thus primary culture of VSMCs provides a useful tool for the study of the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases.