Objective:To study effect of Danggui Buxue decoction on apoptosis of rat arterial endothelial cells(RAOECs)and its mechanism. Method: Extracts of Danggui Buxue decoction was incubated with angiotensinⅡ-induced apoptotic RAOECs(1×105/mL) for 24 hours

apoptosis rate and mRNA level of caspase-8

B cell lymphoma/leukmia-2 Bcl-2 and Bcl-2 assaciated x protein(Bax) were detected. Result: Apoptosis rate in 500 mg·L-1 Danggui Buxue decoction group was (8.69±0.69)%

which significantly lower than that in control group(14.45±1.87)%(P<0.05); while mRNA level of caspase-8

Bax and Bcl-2 of Danggui Buxue decoction group (0.603±0.081

0.629±0.079

0.566±0.113

respectively)were all significantly lower than that in control group (1.083±0.115

1.024±0.072

1.018±0.111

respectively)

(all P<0.05). Conclusion: Danggui Buxue decoction has effects on apoptosis of RAOECs. Danggui Buxue decoction may inhibit RAOECs apoptosis by down-regulating caspase-8 mRNA expression and mitochondrial signaling pathway by down-regulating Bax mRNA expression respectively.