Aim Atherosclerosis is a kind of chronic inflammation. The purpose of this study is to observe, in the inflammation course, how oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) impact interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and how lectin-like low density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1) act as. Methods Smooth muscle cell from human umbilical artery was cultured in vitro. Took 4-5th generation for use. Grouping according to different ox-LDL concentrations and reaction times. Then, detection the quantity of VSMC IL-6 mRNA and LOX-1 mRNA with RT-PCR. Further more, observe how one inhibitor of LOX-1 named as polyinosinic acid influence the production of VSMC IL-6 mRNA. Results 1. The quantity of VSMC IL-6 mRNA increased highly after co-cultured with ox-LDL (p<0.01 or p<0.001). The peak value was found at about 6th hour. The expression of IL-6 mRNA and LOX-1 mRNA were increased with ox-LDL concentration ascending (p<0.01 or p<0.001). There is a positive relationship between IL-6 mRNA and LOX-1 mRNA (r=0.943,p<0.001). 2.IL-6 mRNA was reduced when LOX-1 was inhibited by polyinosinic acid (p<0.01 or p<0.001). Conclusions ox-LDL can induce increased expression of VSMC LOX-1 mRNA. LOX-1 plays a vital rule in this process.