Objective To investigate the main seropharmacological mechanisms in the antifibrotic action of
Yigankang decoction. Methods
After administration of normal rats with
Yigankang decoction through the stomach, rat serum was collected for incubation with the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) cultured in vitro . The proliferation of HSCs was measured by 3H TdR incorporation. Cell cycles of HSCs were detected by flow cytometry. The ultrastructures of HSCs were observed transmission electron microscopically. The protein expression of
platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB) was determined by immunocytochemistry. Results Serum of rats after administration of Yigankang decoction could obviously inhibit the proliferation of HSCs, increase the proportion of G 0/G 1 stage, and down regulate PDGF BB protein expression. Conclusion The inhibitory effect of Yigankang decoction on the proliferation of HSCs and PDGF BB expression may be one of the main mechanisms in the antifibrotic action.