Published online Oct 1, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i19.2823
Revised: October 15, 2003
Accepted: October 22, 2003
Published online: October 1, 2004
AIM: To inquire into the effects and mechanism of Zuogui Wan (Pills for Kidney Yin) on neurocyte apoptosis in nuclei of arcuate hypothalamus (ARN) of monosodium glutamate (MSG)-liver regeneration rats, and the mechanism of liver regeneration by using optic microscope, electron microscope and in situ end labeling technology to adjust nerve-endocrine-immunity network.
METHODS: Neurocyte apoptosis in ARN of the experiment rats was observed by using optic microscope, electron microscope and in situ end labeling technology. Expression of TGF-β1 in ARN was observed by using immunohistochemistry method.
RESULTS: The expression of TGF-β1 in rats of model group was increased with the increase of ARN neurocyte apoptosis index (AI) (t = 8.3097, 12.9884, P < 0.01). As compared with the rats of model group, the expression of TGF-β1 in rats of Zuogui Wan treatment group was decreased with the significant decrease of ARN neurocyte apoptosis (t = 4.5624, 11.1420, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Brain neurocyte calcium ion overexertion and TGF-β1 protein participate in the adjustment and control of ARN neurocyte apoptosis in MSG-liver regeneration-rats. Zuogui Wan can prevent ARN neurocyte apoptosis of MSG-liver regeneration in rats by down-regulating the expression of TGF-β1, and influence liver regeneration through adjusting nerve-endocrine-immune network.