Korean J Pathol.  1999 May;33(5):319-325.

Inhibitory Effect of Tetrandrine on Extracellular Matrix Deposition in Rat Hepatic Fibrosis

• Choi WY
• Chae HJ
• Lee SK

Abstract

No effective therapy has yet developed for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis by directly inhibiting the accumulation of extracellular matrix. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of tetrandrine in rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carborn tetrachloride (CCl4) administration intraorally. Tetrandrine, a calcium channel blocker, is anti-inflammatory constituent of the families Menispermaceae and Ranunculaceae, which have been used as folk remedies in China. Repeated administration of CCl4 for 14 weeks to rats induced liver fibrosis with steatosis. Rats were killed after 4, 8 or 14 weeks of treatment with CCl4, CCl4 tetrandrine (30 mg/kg) or CCl4 tetrandrine (50 mg/kg). The histopathological findings of liver were observed semi-quantitatively by light microscopy and volume percentage of the collagen deposition was determined by image analyzer. Tetrandrine inhibited collagen deposition induced by CCl4 administration, as shown by less severe steatosis and fibrosis and significantly decreased volume percentage of collagen fibers in CCl4 tetrandrine treated animals compared with CCl4 only group. Thus, the administration of tetrandrine holds great promise for treating subjects with liver fibrosis/cirrhosis as a result of chronic hepatic injury.

Keyword

Liver fibrosis; Carbon tetrachloride; Tetrandrine; Calcium channel blocker

MeSH Terms

Animals
Calcium Channels
Carbon Tetrachloride
China
Collagen
Extracellular Matrix*
Fibrosis*
Humans
Liver
Liver Cirrhosis
Medicine, Traditional
Menispermaceae
Microscopy
Models, Animal
Ranunculaceae
Rats*
Calcium Channels
Carbon Tetrachloride
Collagen