Aim To discuss the relationship between the changes of endothelial cell function and pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis obliterans （ASO）. Methods ASO models were constructed with the method of high-fat diet plus intimal injury，at 4，8 and 12 weeks after operation，the limb blood perfusion was observed using laser doppler flowmetre，the arterial morphology was observed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy，using percoll density gradient centrifugation method to determine the number of circulating endothelial cells （CECs），serum tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α），interleukin-1 （IL-1），endothelin-1 （ET-1） and nitric oxide （NO） levels were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） double antibody sandwich assay. Results Rat models of ASO were established successfully，the left limb blood perfusion was significantly decreased after operation，the serum TNF-α，IL-1，ET-1 levels were significantly higher，and the level of NO was significantly less than normal control after operation，and there was significant difference （P<0.01 ）. Conclusions The injury of endothelial cells and its secretory function is the important pathological process of ASO，and protecting vascular endothelial cells，improving endothelial cell secretion function，should be important therapeutic principles in early ASO.