[The active metabolite of leflunomide A771726 inhibits proliferation and collagen synthesis of hepatic stellate cell].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the metabolite of leflunomide, A771726,on proliferation and collagen synthesis of hepatic stellate cell (HSC).

METHODS

HSC and Kupffer cells were isolated from the rat liver by collagenase IV and pronase perfusion, and purified by density gradient separation. The effects of A771726 on cell proliferation and collagen synthesis were examined by 3H-thymidine and 3H-proline incorporation assays, respectively. The TGF-beta, TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels in Kupffer cell conditioned medium (KCCM) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

HSC and Kupffer cells in rat liver were well separated. The KCCM of CCl4-injured rats had significant stimulation effect on proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC in primary culture. Addition of A771726 (0.001-10 micromol/Lein HSC culture stimulated by KCCM significantly inhibited proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC. Furthermore, the elevated TGF-beta, TNF-alpha and IL-1 levels in KCCM of CCl4-injured rats were significantly reduced in A771726 treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

A771726 has markedly inhibitory effect on proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC and secretion of TGF-beta,TNF-alpha and IL-1 from Kupffer cells.