【Objective】 To investigate the role of autophagy in cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ). 【Methods】Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by Ang Ⅱ incultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Morphology and expression of hypertrophy marker atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were detected by optical microscope and real time-PCR. Autophagic marker
LC3 level was tested by Western blotting.【Results】AngⅡ increased volume of cardiomyocyte
and up regulated RNA expression of ANP. AngⅡ inhibited autophagy related gene LC3 protein expression. Blocking autophagy by 3-MA could significantly enhance myocardial hypertrophy induced by Ang II. 【Conclusion】 Ang Ⅱ may induce myocardial hypertrophy by inhibiting autophagy.