PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TETRANDRINE ON CCL4-INJURED HEPATOCYTES

AIM: To study the protective effects of tetrandrine (Tet) on CCl4-inju red hepatocytes. METHODS: The cultured rat liver cells were poisoned b y CCl4 (10 mmol . L(-1)). The membrane fluidity was detected by 1,6-di phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), a lipid probe. The Ca2+ concentration w as assayed with Fura 2-AM, a sensitive calcium indicator. RESULTS: Tet (1-1000 nmol . L(-1)) increased viability of liver cell (from 71 % to 72 % - 89 %), reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and malond ialdehyde (MDA) formation. Tet prevented the heightening of the intrac ellular Ca2+ concentration and the attenuation of the membrane fluidit y of liver cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tet had a protective effect o n CCl4-injured hepatocytes by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation, impro ving the membrane fluidity, and lessening the Ca2+ concentration.