Aim To observe the effects of atorvastatin in vivo on tissue factor (TF),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in peripheral blood monocytes and plasma from atherosclerotic rabbits. Methods Eighteen male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal diet group(n=6),high-cholesterol diet group(1% cholesterol diet,n=12). After 8 weeks,hypercholesterolemic rabbits were randomly fed with starch (n=6,starch group) or atorvastatin (n=6,atorvastatin group). Four weeks later,all rabbits were killed,aortas were removed under deep anesthetization,and monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood monocytes from these rabbits,then cultured for up to 24 hours. TF and TNF-α antigens in culture medium,cells and plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Atherosclerotic lesions were measured by experienced pathologist under Beihang Pathology Imaging Analysis System in aortas from atherosclerotic rabbits. Results Compared with normal diet group,levels of TF (P<0.01) and TNF-α(P<0.01) were elevated in the plasma,peripheral blood monocytes and its culture medium from highcholesterol diet groups. The levels of TF and TNF-α in peripheral blood monocytes and plasma from atherosclerotic rabbits,and the area of atherosclerotic lesions were reduced in atorvastatin treated groups (all P<0.01). The area of atherosclerotic lesions were significantly associated with the concentrations of TF and TNF-α(P<0.01),respectively. Conclusions Atorvastain in vivo reduced TF and TNF-α levels in plasma and peripheral blood monocytes from atherosclerotic rabbits,and thus contribute to their antiatherosclerotic effect. Circulating monocyte/macrophages are a major original source of plasma TF and TNF-α.