Aim To investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on vascular endothelium and endothelin-1(ET-1) expression in rat brains. Methods The expression of endothelin-1 and endothelin recepter A(ETR-A) were examined in site by means of immunohistochemistry and in quantitative by Westen blotting method in rat brains following smoking.Electronic microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of endothelial cells. Results It was found that there were prominent ET-1 and ETR-A expressions on the endothelium after smoking;ET-1 and ETR-A expressions in long term-large amount group were significantly increased compared with the other terms and in abstained group was significantly decreased compared with short term group.Meanwhile the damage of ultrastructure of vascular endothelium was most prominent.The apoptosis of neuron could be found most frequently. Conclusions Smoking fume can cause vascular endothelium damage and expression of ET-1 incenment.Abstain from smoking can make above change obviously restore.The damage of vascular endothelium and increment expression of ET-1 play an important role in the course of damage and is one way to cerebral thrombosis.