Effects of Yigan Decoction on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells

Figure 1 (A) Control HSC (TUNEL × 400). (B) Apoptotic cell characterized by compaction of nuclear chromatin and condensation of cytoplasm (TUNEL × 400). By TUNEL stain the most condensed cells demonstrated evidence of DNA fragmentation and were strongly staining (iü).

Figure 2 Morphological changes of HSC observed by light microscopy treated by Yigan Decoction. (A) Untreated cells (× 200); (B) some HSC got round, detached and floating in the culture supernatant after exposure to 18 g·L^-1 Yigan Decoction for 48 h (× 100).

Figure 3 Ultrastructures of HSC with or without treatment with Yigan Decoction. Following 48 h treatment of Yigan Decoction, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, irregular nuclei, chromatin condensation and heterochromatin ranked along inside of nuclear membrane could be found (A 5000 ×). Untreated cells (B 5000 ×).

Figure 4 Flow cytometry changes. (A) Control group. (B) Yigan Decoction group.