ABSTRACT
Aim To observe the effect of 5-FU and L-Arg on the human liver carcinoma model in nude mice and study the mechanism.Methods We established the human liver carcinoma model in nude mice with BEL-7402 cell and gave normal saline,5-FU,5-FU+L-Arg by intraperitoneal injection. The tumor size was measured.The necrotic degree and range were observed by the microscope. Immunohistochemistry method and chemical colorimetry were performed to determine the expression and activity of iNOS. Nitrate reductase method was adopted to test the concentration of NO in the tumor tissue. The one-way ANOVA,Bonferroni and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were adopted for the statistical analysis.Results 5-FU combined with L-Arg promoted the tumor suppressive action apparently. The necrotic range enlarged. The expression and activity of iNOS increased. The production of NO also increased.Conclusions 5-FU combined with L-Arg has agonist effects on the inhibition of the growth of human liver carcinoma in nude mice.It may be related with inducing the synthesis of iNOS and the increase of NO.