Objective   To investigate the effects of liver X receptor agonist on the expressions of C-reactive protein and CD40 ligand and smooth muscle cell α-actin in the aorta of ApoE gene knockout mice with earlier atherosclerosis.    Methods   Male ApoE gene knockout mice (8-week old) were divided randomly into control group and T090131

7 treatment group (n=6 in each group). The mice in T0901317 group were administered intraperitoneally with T0901317 at the dose of 20 mg·kg

-1

·d

-1

for 4 weeks. Mice in the control group were only given equivalent amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The expressions of C-reactive protein and CD40 ligand and smooth muscle cell α-actin were detected by immunological histochemical method.     Results   The expressions of C-reactive protein and CD40 ligand in the atherosclerotic plaque in the aortic wall were significantly lower in T0901317 group as compared with those in the DMSO control group (P0.01 and P0.05). No difference was found in the content of smooth muscle cell α-actin in the atherosclerotic plaque (P0.05).     Conclusion   Liver X receptor agonist may reduce the formation of atherosclerotic lesions by inhibiting the inflammation and the expressions of C-reactive protein and CD40 ligand in the aorta of ApoE gene knockout mice.