Aim To investigate the effect of antioxidant vitamin E (Vit E) on the cytotoxicity and proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Methods The injury and proliferation of SMC were determined by lactic deydrogenase (LDH) release kit and the incorporation of 3 H- TdR and 3 H- Leu into cells respectively. Results Vit E could significantly inhibit SMC from releasing LDH induced by high levels of oxLDL and the incorporation of 3 H-TdR,3 H-Leu caused by oxLDL at low concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Antioxidant Vit E has both protective effects on the injury and inhibition effects on the proliferation of aortic SMC induced by oxLDL.