The laminin family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays crucial roles in regulating cellular growth, migration, and differentiation. We report here that laminin-5 is expressed in the tunica media of the rat aorta and pulmonary arteries. Using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blots, and RT-PCR analysis, we found that primary cultures of rat arterial smooth muscle cells express laminin-5 and deposit it into their insoluble ECM. These cells also attach strongly to laminin-5 via beta1 integrin receptors in 30 min adhesion assays. Laminin-5 expression in these cells is upregulated by growth factors in vitro and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) stimulation reduces adhesion to laminin-5, As laminin-5 promotes enhanced migration of other cell types, the production of and adhesion to laminin-5 by vascular smooth muscle cells may play a role in the pathological growth and migration of these cells associated with restenosis following vascular injury. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.