Objective To study the role of cyclic strain-modulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) played in the quantity and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) expression of endothelial microparticles (EMPs). Methods The endothelial cells (ECs) primarily cultured from rat aorta were applied with 5% cyclic strain (to simulate normal physiological condition) and 18% cyclic strain (to simulate hyper-tension condition), respectively, by using FX-4000T cyclic stain loading system for 24 hours at the loading frequency of 1.25 Hz. The mRNA expression of TNF-α under different amplitudes of cyclic strain was determined by real time-PCR. The TNF-α was then used to stimulate the ECs from rat aorta, and the supernatants were collected and ultracentrifuged to get endothelial microparticles (EMPs), which were then identified by lipophilic styryl membrane staining and transmission electron microscope for morphological identification. The quantities of Annexin V positive EMPs under TNF-α stimulation were counted by flow cytometer and ICAM-1 expression on EMPs was detected as well. Results Compared with the 5% normal cyclic strain, under 18% high cyclic strain condition,the mRNA expression of TNF-α in ECs increased significantly. TNF-α could then significantly up-regulate the production of Annexin V positive EMPs and promote the expression of ICAM-1 on EMPs. Conclusions The over-expression of TNF-α in ECs under high cyclic strain might mediate the high production of EMPs and over-expression of ICAM-1 on EMPs. The research findings will provide new experiment evidence for further studying the role of EPCs in the mechanobiological mechanism of vascular remodeling.