Effects of heparin on proliferation and incretion of hepatic stellate cells in fibrotic rats

[Objective] To evaluate the effects of heparin on the proliferation and secretion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs),and explore the mechanism. [Methods] HSCs were isolated by one-step density gradient centrifuge with nycodenz and divided into 3 groups. A and B group were given 1 000 μg/ml and 2 000 μg/ml heparin respectively. HSCs proliferation was detected by MTT colorimetric assay.The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β_1) and laminin (LN) were measured with immunocytochemistry. [Results] The OD values of HSCs in A,B and C group were 0.0626±0.0137,0.0746± 0.0131 and 0.1106±0.0198,respectively. The OD value of HSCs in A and B group was lower than that in C group significantly (P0.05) ,and the OD value of HSCs in B group was lower than that in A group.The expression of α-SMA,TGF-β_1 and LN in HSCs of A and B group was weaker than that in HSCs of group C. [Conclusion] Heparin can inhibit the proliferation of HSCs and the collagen synthesis,it may be related with the inhibition of TGF-β_1 expression in HSCs.