Objective:To investigate whether hydrogen sulfide(H2S) can prevent atherosclerotic development via suppression of local renin activity. Methods:Rats in atherosclerotic model group (MG) were fed with high fat diet. H2S treatment were performed with NaHS 56 -滋mol/(kg-d) i.p. for 12 weeks. Aorta morphological changes were observed by HE and oil red O staining. The renin acitivity in plasma and tissue was detected by radio－immunity and the renin express in tissue was observed by immunostaining. Results:Endogenous H2S level in both plasma and aortic tissue was significantly decreased in MG,but the renin level was obviously increased in the aortic tissue. Exogenous application of NaHS prevented the elevated levels of serum lipids including total cholesterol,triglyceride,high－density lipoprotein－cholesterol,and low－density lipoprotein－cholesterol,and decreased the renin level in aortic tissue. Histology staining showed that NaHS treatment attenuated plaque formation and decreased lipid infiltration and accumulation in the plaque area in high fat treated rats. Conclusion:These data suggest that local renin is important in the AS development. Exogenous NaHS supplementation significantly prevents escalation of tissue renin expression. Hence,the present study presents a novel mechanism for the protective effect of H2S on atherosclerotic progression via inhibition of local renin expression in the aortic tissues.