[Effects of aldosterone and spironolactone on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of hepatic stellate cells in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of aldosterone and spironolactone on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of hepatic stellate cells. METHODS: Rat HSC were incubated with aldosterone or spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist at different concentrations. The proliferation of HSC was measured by (3)H-thymidine incorporation, and the collagen synthesis by (3)H-Proline. The changes of HSC cycle were analyzed by FCM. RESULTS: At dose of 10(-4) mol/L, ALD increased the incorporation of (3)H-TdR and (3)H-Pro (P < 0.05), but didn't at the lower doses. Spironolactone significantly inhibited HSC proliferation and collagen synthesis. The effective concentration was among 10(-4) mol/L - 10(-6) mol/L, and in dose-dependent manner. The percentage of G(1) phase of the cell cycle was significantly increased, and the cell proliferation suppression of spironolactone is associated with cell arrest in G(1) phase. Co-stimulation with aldosterone and spironolactone did not have significant effects on HSC proliferation and collagen synthesis compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC might be enhanced by ALD at higher concentration, but was inhibited by spironolactone.