Activation of the immunologic function of rat Kupffer cells by the polysaccharides of Angelica sinensis / 药学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>AIM</b>To observe the influence of polysaccharides of Angelica sinensis (ASP) on the immunologic function of rat Kupffer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Normal rat Kupffer cells were treated with ASP in vitro. Absorbance at 540 nm ( A540) of neutral red absorption and supernatant NO, TNF-alpha in the cells were measured to evaluate the immunologic function of Kupffer cells; LDH leakage was measured to estimate the severity of cellular damage; Rats were given ASP 0.025, 0.1, 0.25 and 1.0 g x kg(-1) ig (qd x 7 d) in vivo. The above indices and ACP of Kupffer cells were measured, sGST and sALT activity were detected as indices of hepatotoxicity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ASP markedly enhanced the phagocytic activity, ACP and supernatant NO, TNF-alpha of Kupffer cells both in vitro and in vivo . The increase of sGST was observed after administration of ASP 1.0 g x kg(-1), but the LDH leakage of the hepatocytes was not increased in vitro.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ASP with suitable dose could activate the function of Kupffer cells. Slight liver injury was caused by ASP 1.0 g x kg(-1) in vivo, which was likely caused by factors, such as NO, TNF-alpha, indirectly.</p>