Objective:To investigate the cytoprotective effects of lithium chloride(LiCl) on human umbillcal vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) through regulating Fractalkine(FKN) during the anoxia/reoxygenation.Methods:HUVECs were cultivated and divided into four groups randomly(control group

anoxia/reoxygenation group

LiCl 5 mmol/L group

and LiCl 10 mmol/L group)

which were used to establish the anoxia/reoxygenation models.The cell viability was detected by MTT method.The apoptosis rate of HUVECs was examined by Flow cytometry.The mRNA expression of FKN was assessed by RT-PCR.The intracellular distribution and expression of FKN were determined by immunofluorescent staining.Results:Compared with control group

the apoptotic rate of HUVECs increased but their viability rate reduced significantly in anoxia/reoxygenation group(all P<0.01).The mRNA and protein expression of FKN were increased remarkably in anoxia/reoxygenation group compared to control group(P<0.01).Compared with anoxia/reoxygenation group

the survival rate of HUVECs was increased but their apoptotic rate as well as the expression of FKN mRNA and FKN protein reduced significantly in LiCl 5 mmol/L and 10 mmol/L groups(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusions:The anoxia/reoxygenation induced the damage of HUVECs through upregulating FKN expression.LiCl pretreatment can protect HUVECs against anoxia/reoxygenation injury via inhibiting FKN expression.