Objective       To investigate the inhibitory role of salvianic acid A (Danshensu) in the proliferation

collagen typeⅠand Ⅲ synthesis and secretion

and ERK1/2 and PI3K expression in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated by platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB).      Methods       After rat HSCs were isolated and primarily cultured

they were treated with Danshensu at different concentration (0.250

0.125

and 0.062 mmol/L)

a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor UO126 (20 nmol/L)

or PI3K channel specific inhibitor LY294002 (20 nmol/L) for 1 h. After which

10 ng/ml PDGF-BB was added into the culture medium. After 48 h treatment

cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting Kit-8. Synthesis and secretion of collagen Ⅰand Ⅲ were detected by quantitative immunocytochemical assay and ELISA respectively. Expression of ERK1/2

p-ERK1/2

AKT and p-AKT in the cells was detected by Western blotting.       Results       After treated by PDGF-BB

the proliferation of HSCs was significant increased. Danshensu inhibited proliferation in HSC stimulated by PDGF-BB in a dose-dependent manner（P0.05）. Danshensu treatment resulted in significant decrease of synthesis and secretion of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ

and so did expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT were decreased significantly（P0.05）.      Conclusion        Danshensu inhibits proliferation and activation of HSCs possibly by suppressing ERK1/2 and PI3K signal transduction pathway

which are involved in hepatic fibrosis.