Increased fluid pinocytosis, induced by action of platelet-derived growth factor on quiescent arterial smooth muscle cells, does not require increased cholesterol biosynthesis.

In the current report we provide evidence that the increased rate of cholesterol biosynthesis mediated by platelet-derived growth factor in the cell cycle of monkey (Macaca nemestrina) arterial smooth muscle cells can be separated from the increased rate of fluid pinocytosis using inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase.