Neointima formation involves tissue expression of matrix proteins and growth factors. The role of alphavbeta3, but not alphavbeta5 integrin in vascular cells has been sufficiently investigated. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the function of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins in rat aortic (RASMC) and human coronary vascular smooth muscle cells (HCSMC) and to characterize their expression accompanying neointima formation in vivo. RASMC and HCSMC express alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrin subunits. The alphavbeta5 integrin predominantly mediated adhesion of RASMCs to vitronectin and spreading on vitronectin via RGD-binding sequences. In contrast, the alphavbeta3 integrin did not contribute to the adhesion and spreading on fibronectin, vitronectin, gelatin or collagen I coated layers. PDGF-directed migration through gelatin coated membranes involved both alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins. Selective blocking antibodies for alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 inhibited migration of RASMC and HCSMC by more than 60 % (p < 0.01). Integrin expression was studied in vivo in thoracic aorta of Sprague Dawley rats before and after balloon injury. In situ hybridization demonstrated low signals for alphav, beta3 and beta5 mRNA in uninjured aorta, which increased significantly at 14 days, localized predominantly in the neointima. Northern analysis of aorta after 14 days of injury also demonstrated an upregulation of alphav, beta3 and beta5 mRNA compared to uninjured aorta. Consistent with the increase in message levels, increased integrin protein expression was seen in the neointima after 7 and 14 days. This study provides evidence that alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 are elevated during neointima formation in the rat and indicates a novel role for alphavbeta5 participating in mechanisms regulating smooth muscle cell migration.