Objective To observe the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) or/and transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) on human skin fibroblast proliferation, and to explore the possible signaling mechanism involved in their actions. Methods Cultured human skin fibroblasts were treated with different concentrations of Ang Ⅱ (1×10-10 , 1×10-9，1×10-8 and 1×10-7 mol/L) , TGF-β(0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ng/ml), and 1×10 -10 mol/L Ang Ⅱ＋0.1 ng/ml TGF-β, respectively. The cell proliferation was determined by3Hthymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation. The phosphorylation of extracellular signalregulated kinases (ERK) was detected by Western blot. Results Ang Ⅱ at 1×10-9，1×10-8，1× 10-7 mol/L or TGF-β at 1.0, 10.0 ng/ml increased 3H-TdR incorporation into cultured skin fibroblasts dose-dependently. Ang Ⅱ and TGF-β at lower doses (1×10-10 mol/L and 0.1 ng/ml, respectively) did not affect 3H-TdR incorporation into fibroblasts (Pgt;0.05), whereas co-administration of both Ang Ⅱ and TGF-β at these doses significantly increased 3H-TdR incorporation intofibroblasts(Plt;0.05). Ang Ⅱ at 1×10-7 mol/L or TGF-β at 10.0 ng/ml significantly increased ERK phosphorylation of fibroblasts after stimulation (Plt;0.01). Smaller doses of Ang Ⅱ (1×10-10 mol/L) or TGF-β (0.1 ng/ml) did not influence ERKphosphorylation of fibroblasts, whereas co-administration of Ang II and TGF-β at these doses significantly enhanced ERK phosphorylation (Plt;0.05). Total protein levels of ERK did not differ at different doses. Conclusion These results indicate that Ang Ⅱ and TGF-β synergistically increase skin fibroblast proliferation, which is at least partly via enhancement of ERK activity.