Objective: To investigate the effect of combination of paeonol (Pae) and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma saponins (NRS) on expressions of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen in proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ). Method: Primary cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) of neonatal rats were randomly divided into six groups:blank group

model group

Pae group (45 mg·L-1)

NRS group (50 mg·L-1)

combined Pae and NRS high-dose and low-dose groups (Pae 45

30 mg·L-1+NRS 50

30 mg·L-1). The mRNA expressions of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen were detected by RT-PCR after drug intervention for 48 h. The protein expressions of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen were determined by Western blot. Result: As compared with the blank group

the mRNA expressions and protein expressions of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen were significantly increased in model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the proliferation of CFs were stimulated by AngⅡ

and the mRNA and protein expressions of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen were inhibited by Pae group

NRS group

and the combined Pae and NRS high-dose and low-dose groups (P<0.05). The combined groups had better efffect than other groups

and the combined high-dose group had the best inhibitory effect. Conclusion: The combination of Pae and NRS can inhibit the gene expressions of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen in cardiac fibroblasts induced by AngⅡ

and shows significant synergistic effects.