Cytokines regulate proliferation and cytoskeletal organization of vascular smooth muscle cells.

The vasculature is an important target for inflammatory reactions, which may evolve into subsequent fibrosis. In large vessels, fibrotic lesions develop after invasive manipulations such as angioplasty. This results in stenotic arteries and represents a major clinical problem in cardiology. Local production of cytokines and growth factors both by vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and by blood-borne, immunocompetent cells are important regulators of these events. The present review summarizes experimental studies on the role of immune-derived cytokines in vascular cell biology and pathology.