Anti-proliferative effect of 2-methoxyestradiol on cultured smooth muscle cells from rabbit aorta

The proliferation of cultured smooth muscle cells from rabbit aorta was inhibited markedly by 2-methoxyestradiol, considerably by 2-hydroxyestradiol, and only slightly by 17 beta-estradiol. The effects at doses from 1 to 40 nmol/ml were cytostatic rather than cytocidal. 2-Methoxyestradiol could be useful to suppress excessive proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells, and thus to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.