Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression of ubiquitin-proteasome components in the aorta of rats with chronic renal failure. Methods The animal model was established by partial ligation of renal pedicle artery at one side and nephroectomy at the opposite side. Ub and E2 mRNA was surveyed by RT-PCR, Ub protein was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the amount of ubiquitinated protein was surveyed by western blot. Results In the aorta of rats with chronic renal failure, Ub mRNA increased significantly at fourth month (1.436+ 0.142) and at sixth month (1.480+0.124) after operation (P<0.01, as compared with those of the control group), E2 mRNA also increased significantly at fourth month (2.253+0.689) and at sixth month (2.002+0.383) after operation (P<0.01, as compared with those of the control group), and Ub protein increased to 8.20+1.15 at fourth month and 9.48+2.80 at sixth month (P<0.01, as compared with those of the control group). Conversely, the amount of ubiquitinated protein decreased significantly to 1.46+0.26 at fourth month and to 2.32+0.83 at sixth month (P<0.01, as compared with those of the control group). The mRNA and protein expression of Ub and E2 in the aorta were significantly inhibited by the treatment of a proteasome inhibitor MG-132, and as a result, ubiquitinated protein increased significantly in the aorta. Conclusion The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is activated in the aorta of rats with chronic renal failure.