Abstract: AIM: To study the effects of totalPolysaccharide of Astragalus(APS)on in vitroProliferation and collagenProduction of HSC-T6 cells.METHODS: Using rat hepatic stellate HSC-T6 cells,theProliferation and collagenProduction was measured by [³H]-TdR and [³H]-Proline incorporation assay.RESULTS: Low concentration of APS could suppressProliferation and collagenProduction of HSC-T6 cells.High concentration of APS(≥80 mg·L^-1)could remarkably enhanceProliferation of HSC-T6 cells.CONCLUSION: The activation ofProliferation and collagen synthesis can be suppressed in HSC-T6 cells exposed tolow concentration of APS.Moreover,APS shows a tow-way regular capacity on theProliferation of HSC-T6 cells.

Key words: pharmacology, totalPolysaccharide of Astragalus, HSC-T6cell, proliferation, collagen, hepatic fibrosis