Objective:To investigate the expression of SCP2 mRNA and the effects of herbs on the expression in liver tissues of rabbit cholesterol gallstone model.Methods:Rabbit model was induced by high cholesterol diet(HCD) containing 1.2% cholesterol.42 rabbits were randomized into 6 groups:normal control group(CON group)were given normal diet

high cholesterol diet group(HCD group) were given high cholesterol diet

ursodeoxycholic group(UDC group) were given high cholesterol diet and ursodeoxycholic acid

lovastatin group(LVT group) were given high cholesterol diet and lovastatin

Yinchen group(YCH group) were given high cholesterol diet and Yinchen

and Fufangzhongyao group(FZH group) were given high cholesterol diet and Fufangzhongyao.Liver tissue was obtained from rabbits after 4 weeks and SCP2 mRNA expression was detected by using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(RT-PCR).Results:After 4 weeks

CON group had no gallstone formation.85.71% of HCD group

50.00% of HCD group

100.00% of LVT group

42.86% of YCH group and 42.86% of FZH group had formed stones in gallbladder.The expression level of SCP2 mRNA were all increased in 5 experimental groups as compared with CON group.There were significant difference of SCP2 mRNA expression within YCH and HCD groups

also within FZH and HCD groups.The expression level of SCP2 mRNA was respectively related to its own bile lithogenic index(LI) in CON group

HCD group

LVT group

YCH group and FZH group.Conclusions:The SCP2 mRNA of liver tissue is over-expression in HCD induced rabbit gallstone model.Yinchen can decrease the gallstone formation rate by down-regulating the expression of SCP2 mRNA.