ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To study the inhibitory effect and mechanism of nobiletin on Heps tumor bearing mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Models of Heps tumor bearing mice were established. The inhibitory rates of tumor growth were calculated, the apoptosis morphology of tumor tissue was observed. The T lymphocyte transformation capacity was tested by MTT assay, the TNFalpha and IL-2 production were measured by LDH kits.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nobiletin could significantly inhibit Heps tumor growth. The inhibitory rates were 42.14% - 65.09% (P < 0.01). The morphology of tumor tissues in nobiletin group had typical characters of necrosis and apoptosis through transmission electron microscope. Nobiletin could stimulate T lymphocyte transformation and the production of TNFalpha and IL-2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nobiletin has obvious antitumor effect on Heps, the main mechanism is to enhance the cellular immune function and induce apoptosis of tumor tissue.</p>