Abstract: Object To investigate the effects of NE on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) apoptosis and the mechanism thereof. Methods After NE and the antagonists of adrenoceptor subtypes were administered to HSCs, MTT method was used to evaluate cell proliferation. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell apoptosis. Results ①Compared with control group, NE at concentrations of 1、10 and 100 µmol/L induced HSCs proliferation in a time-dependent manner; The action of NE at concentrations of 10µmol/L reached the peak (0.262±0.085 vs. 0.048±0.055, P<0.05). ②After exposure of HSCs to NE at concentration of 10µmol/L for 24 h, apoptosis rates decreased significantly compared with control group(6.60±3.05 vs. 12.60±4.76 by TUNEL, P<0.05; 2.29±0.22 vs. 3.06±0.57 by FCM, P<0.05). ③The antagonists of adrenoceptor subtypes, especially of α- and β2- adrenoceptor, reversed the apoptosis greatly. Conclusions Sympathetic neurotransmitter, NE, could induce HSCs proliferation, and inhibit HSCs apoptosis, mainly through α- and β2- adrenoreceptor.

Key words: hepatic stellate cell, NE, adrenoreceptor, proliferation, apoptosis