Objective: To explore a method for high density cultivation of LO2 hepatocytes using microcarrier

and study the hepatotoxicity and its mechanism of triptolide's major toxic components. Method: With the condition of the cells restricted to attach dish

three-dimensional cultivating of LO2 hepatocytes was carried out by Cytodex-3.The cell growth was observed on the light microscope and the effect of triptolide on liver cell proliferation was detected. Concentrations of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)

aspartate aminotransferase(AST)

lactic dehydrogense(LDH)

superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in the supernatant were examined. Content of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) was also examined in the cell lysate. Result: The proliferation of hepatocytes was considerably inhibited and the activity of hepatocytes was decreased by triptolide(100 μg·mL-1). On the other hand

the activity of ALT

AST

LDH was increased by triptolide(100 μg·mL-1). The content of MDA was increased

and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased by triptolide(100 μg·mL-1). Conclusion: The triptolide could do harm to hepatocytes

which may be caused by the lipid peroxidation of hepatocytes.