Objective: To observe the effect of Tonglian decoction (TD) on histomorphology of transplanted tumor and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin(IL)-6

and IL-8 in peripheral blood of nude mice inoculated with gastric cancer MGC803 cells. Method: All mice were inoculated subcutaneously with MGC803 cells in the right forelimbs and were randomly divided into the following groups

the model group (saline solution

10 mL·kg-1)

the Xiaoaiping group (1.8 g·kg-1) and high-

middle-

low-dose TD groups (1.5

0.75

0.37 g·kg-1). After 3-week administration

they were observed for another 3 weeks continuously. The hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain of the tumor tissue was made followed the observation on micro-structure by fluorescence microscope. The concentrations of serum TNF-α

IL-6 and IL-8 were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Result: In the high-dose TD group

HE pathological changes showed large necrotic area in slice center

accompanied with stained tumor cells in light color and few cellular nuclear division. The high-dose TD could down-regulate the contents of TNF-α

IL-6 and IL-8 in peripheral serum of nude mice with the values of (33.82±14.43)

(45.49±15.61)

(132.09±29.51) ng·L-1

respectively

showing statistical difference when compared with the model group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: High-dose TD could promote the tumor necrosis of mice inoculated with MGC803 cells. The mechanism may be achieved by down-regulating the contents of TNF-α

IL-6 and IL-8 in peripheral serum and strengthening the immune ability.