Abstract: AIM:To observe the effect of caffeic acid on leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and platelet volume changes induced by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-c) in mice. METHODS:The leucopenia and thrombocytopenia and platelet change model was established by administration of ara-C in mice. The mice were divided into different groups treated by various dose of caffeic acid (600, 300 and 150mg/kg^-1·d^-1), positive control group (gelatina nigra compound), model control and normal control group. The mice were administration cytosine arabinoside and caffeic acid synchronally and the number of white blood cell and blood platelet number was counted and blood platelets volume was compared at regular time (6, 8, 10, 12 d followed administration of caffeic acid)to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid. RESULTS:After administration of caffeic acid at dose of 300 mg/kg^-1·d^-1 for 6 d, the white cell number is (4. 8 ±1. 2)×10⁹/L. After administration of caffeic acid at dose of 600mg/kg^-1·d^-1 and 300 mg/kg^-1·d^-1 for 10 d, the platelet count number is (909 ±179)and (1056 ± 135)×10⁹/L, and after 12 d administration, the platelet volume is (6. 00 ±0. 23), (5. 90 ±0. 20)and (6. 03 ±0. 21)fL, respectively. There were statistical significances between compare group with model control (P <0. 05).CONCLUSION:Caffeic acid can be used for curing leucopenia and thrombocytopenia induced by chemotherapy and protecting platelet from injury.

Key words: caffeic acid, models, animal, white cell count, platelet count, platelet volume, mouce