The present study evaluated the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ activators on ANG II-induced signaling pathways and cell growth. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) derived from rat mesenteric arteries were treated with ANG II, with/without the AT₁ receptor blocker valsartan or the AT₂ receptor blocker PD-123319, after pretreatment for 24 h with the PPAR-γ activators 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) or rosiglitazone. Both 15d-PGJ₂ and rosiglitazone decreased ANG II-induced DNA synthesis. Rosiglitazone treatment increased nuclear PPAR-γ expression and activity in VSMC. However, rosiglitazone did not alter expression of PPAR-α/β, ERK 1/2, Akt, or ANG II receptors. 15d-PGJ₂ and rosiglitazone decreased ERK 1/2 and Akt peak activity, both of which were induced by ANG II via the AT₁ receptor. Rosiglitazone inhibited ANG II-enhanced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), as well as Src homology (SH) 2-containing inositol phosphatase 2 (SHIP2). PPAR-γ activation reduced ANG II-induced growth associated with inhibition of ERK 1/2, Akt, 4E-BP1, and SHIP2. Modulation of these pathways by PPAR-γ activators may contribute to regression of vascular remodeling in hypertension.