Objective : To investigate the effect of extract from Tribulus terrestris on myocardial cell apoptosis caused by adriamycin in rats. Method : Rats were given intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin (ADR) to induce cardiocyte apoptosis. After continuous ig of extract from T. terrestris

myocardial ultrastructure in every experimental group was observed with electron microscope. The apoptotic rate of myocardial cells was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferaseediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)

and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by using immuno-histochemical method. Result : ADR of 20 mg ·kg-1 induced cardiocyte apoptosis. Extract from T. terrestris middle-and high-dosage groups (40

60 mg ·kg-1) could reduce cardiotoxicity injury by ADR. Extract from T. terrestris middle-and high-dosage groups could significantly increase the Bcl-2 expression ( P <0.01)

reduced Bax expression ( P <0.05). Conclusion : Extract from T. terrestris may decrease the cardiocyte apoptosis induced by adriamycin

and it has a protective effect on adriamycin-induced cardio-toxicity.