In vivo effects of Chinese herbal recipe, Danshaohuaxian, on apoptosis and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrotic rats

Figure 1 Expression of collagens I and III in each group (SABC×100). A and B: In hepatic fibrosis group, a large amount of collagen fibers distributed extensively in portals, hepatic sinusoids and hepatic parenchyma, along with the formation of fibrous septa and pseudo lobules; C and D: In non-DSHX-treated group, hepatic fibrosis was lightly alleviated compared with Figures A and B, while the collagen fibers were still expanded extensively and the fibrous septa could be seen apparently; E and F: In DSHX-treated group, fewer collagen fibers were distributed in portals and expanded lightly compared with Figures C and D. No pseudo lobules formed.

Figure 2 Apoptotic index of HSCs detected by flow cytometry in each group of rats. A: Normal group; B: Hepatic fibrosis group; C: DSHX-treated group.