Objective    To investigate the differences among the curative effects of three different transplantation approaches of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on rat model of cirrhosis.     Methods    The rat model of cirrhosis was constructed from female SD rats by subcutaneous injection of a mixture of carbon tetrachloride and olive oil combined with ethanol feeding. The rats of cirrhosis were randomly divided

in a non-transplantation group (

n

=8)

a portal vein transplantation group (

n

=8)

a hepatic artery transplantation group (

n

=8)

and a caudal vein transplantation group (

n

=8). MSCs were derived from the bone marrow of healthy SD rats through primary adherent culture

labeled with CM-DiI

and then transplanted into the rats of cirrhosis with the above three transplantation approaches. The levels of serum albumin

transaminases (ALT and AST)

bilirubin

and type Ⅳ collagen were detected four weeks after transplantation. The MSC distribution and number in the liver were observed using a laser scanning confocal microscope. The degree of cirrhosis was determined by HE and Masson staining.     Results    The liver function of the rats of cirrhosis in the three transplantation groups was improved significantly four weeks after transplantation. As compared with the non-transplantation group

the three transplantation groups significantly exhibited increased serum albumin levels (

P

<

0.05)

decreased levels of transaminases

bilirubin and type Ⅳ collagen (

P

<

0.05)

and alleviated degree of cirrhosis (

P

<

0.05). The curative effects of the three different transplantation approaches on the rats of cirrhosis

however

did not show statistical differences (

P

>0.05).     Conclusion    With similar curative effects

transplantation of MSCs into rat model of cirrhosis

via

portal vein

hepatic artery

and caudal vein can improve liver function and alleviate cirrhosis degree four weeks after transplantation.