The effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db cAMP), cholera toxin, and methylisobutylxanthine on the content and metabolism of lipids in smooth muscle cells cultured from normal and atherosclerotic intima of human aorta have been studied. Db cAMP (0.1 mM) decreased the levels of triglycerides and esterified sterols 1.5-3-fold in cells cultured from fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaques. Cholera toxin (100 micrograms/ml) and methylisobutylxanthine (0.1 mM) stimulated by 2-fold the cyclic AMP level in aortic smooth muscle cells and decreased the content of triglycerides and esterified sterols by 2-3-fold. Prolonged treatment with db cAMP and methylisobutylxanthine resulted in a fall in the intracellular phospholipids and free sterols. Using the labelled precursors, [3H]acetate and [14C]oleate, it was established that the agents increasing the intracellular cyclic AMP level inhibit the formation of sterols and fatty acids, impede the synthesis of phospholipids, triglycerides and esterified sterols, and stimulate their hydrolysis. The data demonstrate that cyclic AMP facilitates the regression of cellular lipoidosis by altering the intracellular lipid metabolism.