Objective   To investigate the dynamic expressions of nuclear transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the dynamic profile of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the basilar artery of rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)

and explore the relationship of NF-κB and basilar artery wall proliferation.  Methods   Forty New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into Sham group and 4 SAH groups according to different time points (n=5). Animal models of cerebral vasospasm was established by double injections of fresh autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna. The animals of sham group received an injection of normal saline as same volume. In 1

4

7 and 14 d after second injection

the rabbits were killed and the basilar artery was taken out. Expressions of NF-κB and PCNA of basilar artery were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Morphological changes of rabbit basilar artery were observed after HE staining.  Results  Compared with Sham group

the smooth muscle layer of basilar artery wall in SAH group were gradually thickening

and the lumen became stenosed during the observation period

and these phenomena peaked on the 7th day (P0.05) and restored to normal conditions on the 14th day. The protein expression of NF-κB of basilar artery was markedly higher in SAH rabbits with time elapse

and reached the peak on 7th day (P0.05)

however

it was decreased significantly on 14th day. Interestingly

the expression of PCNA in the basilar artery was in coincidence with that of NFκB in SAH rabbits. Moreover

the expression of NF-κB protein was positively correlated with the thickening of smooth muscle wall and the expression of PCNA protein (r=0.80

r=0.75

P0.01).  Conclusion  Activation of NF-κB may be involved in the proliferation of cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells after SAH. NF-κB might take part in vascular wall thickening after SAH via transcripting multiple vascular proliferation factors.