To investigate the expression of mitogen- activated protein kinase and insulin receptor substrate-1 in trophoblastic cell and the relationship between pertensive disorder complicating pregnancy.METHODS:(1)primary culture of human placental villus in vitro, trophoblastic cells were exposed to 2.5umol/L wortmannin for 48 hours to establish insulin-resistant trophoblastic cell. (2)Protein expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase was detected by western blotting RESULTS:(1)Under the microscope, the polygon cell grew monolayer slice and there were some syncytio- trophoblast by cell fusion. (2) Where there is insulin resistance, the level of insular signal transmission main protein IRS-1 rised 26.58% compared with normal. With treatment of tanshinone, the level of insular signal transmission main protein IRS-1 reduced 16.42% compared with model. With treatment of metformin, the level of insular signal transmission main protein IRS-1 reduced 6.66% compared with model.(3) Where there is insulin resistance, protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase rised 56.93% compared with normal. With treatment of tanshinone, protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase reduced 26.63% compared with model. With treatment of metformin, protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase reduced 10.18% compared with model.CONCLUSIONS: When trophoblastic cell has insulin resistance, protein expression of IRS-1 and p-ERK rised. Use of tanshinone and metformin reduced protein expression of IRS-1 and p-ERK.