Effect of isopsoralen on hepatic function and bile acid transporters in SD rats with different administration periods / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate the effect of isopsoralen, the active ingredient of Psoralea corylifolia, on rat liver and bile acid transporters after oral administration for different time. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into four groups; the control group and the groups treated with 60 mg · kg-1 isopsoralen for 1, 3 or 7 days. After the experiment, the body weight and liver weight were measured. The levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBA, TC, TG and TBIL in rat serum were examined by different kits. The mRNA levels of BSEP, NTCP, MRP2, MRP4, MDR1, ABCG5, ABCG8 and OSTa in rat liver were detected by real-time PCR. Results: Compared with control group, isopsoralen could induce the increase of liver weight and liver/body weight ratio. The levels of ALT, AST, TBA, TG and TBIL significantly increased after administration of isopsoralen. The content of ALP did not change significantly and the content of TC decreased remarkably. Furthermore, the level of AST significantly increased after one day of isopsoralen administration. After treatment with isopsoralen, the mRNA levels of BSEP, NT-CP, MRP2, MDR1, ABCG5, ABCG8 and OSTa were distinctly reduced. The mRNA levels of MRP4 showed no significant difference. Conclusions: The administration of isopsoralen for 1 to 3 days may cause obvious liver injury. The mechanism underlying isopsoralen-induced injury may be associated with the interference of bile acid transporters.