Effects of Zuogui Wan on neurocyte apoptosis and down-regulation of TGF-β1 expression in nuclei of arcuate hypothalamus of monosodium glutamate -liver regeneration rats

AIM: To inquire into the effects and mechanism of Zuogui Wan (Pills for Kidney Yin) on neurocyte apoptosis in nuclei of arcuate hypothalamus (ARN) of monosodium glutamate (MSG)-liver regeneration rats, and the mechanism of liver regeneration by using optic microscope, electron microscope and in situ end labeling technology to adjust nerve-endocrine-immunity network. METHODS: Neurocyte apoptosis in ARN of the experiment rats was observed by using optic microscope, electron microscope and in situ end labeling technology. Expression of TGF-beta(1) in ARN was observed by using immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: The expression of TGF-beta(1) in rats of model group was increased with the increase of ARN neurocyte apoptosis index (AI) (t = 8.3097, 12.9884, P<0.01). As compared with the rats of model group, the expression of TGF-beta(1) in rats of Zuogui Wan treatment group was decreased with the significant decrease of ARN neurocyte apoptosis (t = 4.5624, 11.1420, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Brain neurocyte calcium ion overexertion and TGF-beta(1) protein participate in the adjustment and control of ARN neurocyte apoptosis in MSG-liver regeneration-rats. Zuogui Wan can prevent ARN neurocyte apoptosis of MSG-liver regeneration in rats by downregulating the expression of TGF-beta(1), and influence liver regeneration through adjusting nerve-endocrine-immune network.