Inhibitory effects of emodin on proliferation of human lymphocytes in vitro

    LIU Chang, LIU Yuanª²Xing, L¦a Yi

    Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Hospital, Medical College, Xi¬ðan Jiaotong University, Xi¬ðan 710061, China, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Hospital, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310014, China

    ¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To evaluate the inhibitory effects of emodin on proliferation of human lymphocytes in vitro and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Human peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from healthy donors were cultured with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), interleukinª²2 (ILª²2) or mixed leukocyte culture (MLC), respectively. Interfered by different agents, emodin and CsA, the proliferation of human lymphocytes was observed by MTT. RESULTS: In the range of concentrations from 3¡Á10-6 mol/L to 3¡Á10-5 mol/L, emodin could suppress the proliferation of lymphocytes induced by PHA, ILª²2 or MLC obviously, and showed a positive concentrationª²dependent inhibitory effect. And also emodin had a synergistic effect with CsA in immunosuppressive behavior. CONCLUSION: Emodin exerts its immunosuppressive effects through inhibiting the proliferation of lymphocytes in vitro. ......