['Triglyceride (TG) accumulation in arterial tissue is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Cilostazol (CLZ), a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, has antiplatelet and vasodilating effects and may decrease serum TG levels. We examined the effect of CLZ on TG accumulation in the arterial tissue of a rat model of carotid artery ligation.', 'Rats were fed normal chow with 0.1% CLZ (CLZ group) or without CLZ (control group) for 4 weeks after unilateral carotid artery ligation near the carotid bifurcation.', 'At the end of this period, the control group showed 3.3-fold higher TG levels in the ligated carotid artery than in the contralateral artery; however, compared with the contralateral artery, the ligated artery in the CLZ group showed significantly lower levels of TG accumulation but similar serum levels of TG, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry revealed that the ligated carotid artery in both groups had ubiquitous accumulation of TG in the intima, media, and adventitia, along with decreased heme B signals, which was indicative of ischemia. However, heme B signals were less reduced in the CLZ group than in the control group.'] Does cilostazol inhibit accumulation of triglycerides in a rat model of carotid artery ligation?