Aim To investigate the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the development of atherosclerosis (As). Methods 50 male rabbits were divided into two groups: the rabbits in control group received normal feed, each rabbit in As group received the feed with 1.5 g cholesterol every day. The aortas of rabbits were harvested and observed the pathological changes at the end of week 0, week 4, week 8, and week 12. VEGF expression was studied with immunohistochemical techniques in these samples. Results The results of qualitative observation and quantitative measure are coincident. The average plaque thickness, maximal plaque thickness of aortae in As group gradually increased. The percentage of residual luminal area in As group appears the trend of narrowing gradually. At 12th weekend, the average plaque thickness (5.78±3.75 μm) is significantly larger than that at 4th weekend (1.28±0.86 μm)( p<0.05), the maximal plaque thickness reach 26.16μm. Normal arterial segments showed no VEGF expression, while atheromatous lesions showed distinct VEGF expression. Furthermore, VEGF positivity was intensified gradually as the pathology developed. Conclusion VEGF may have some role in the progression of atherosclerosis.