Recent evidence suggests a role for reactive oxygen species in the control of vascular
smooth muscle proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Oxidative stress increases cell
proliferation, mediates hormone-induced hypertrophy, and—under some circumstances—
induces apoptosis. Smooth muscle cells contain a reduced nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase that is
responsible for the majority of the superoxide produced by the vessel wall. This enzyme has …