Replication of arterial smooth muscle cells in hypertension and atherosclerosis

Smooth muscle proliferation has been recognized as central to the pathology of both major forms of vascular disease: atherosclerosis and hypertension. Recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms of control of proliferation suggest that events occurring in adult animals may recapitulate portions of the developmental biology of the smooth muscle cell. This review will consider the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms controlling smooth muscle proliferation in these 2 diseases, put that knowledge into the context of what is known about smooth muscle biology and offer 2 hypotheses as to possible roles of smooth muscle developmental biology in manifestations of atherosclerosis and hypertension in adult humans.