Abstract: Objective The effects of Triptolide(TL) on the proliferation capacity of osteoblasts were studied in order to further explore the mechanism of osteoporosis induced by Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook.F (TW). Methods Osteoblasts were obtained from the calvaria of new-born SD rats and were cultured with various concentrations of TL. The effects of TL on proliferation capacity of osteoblasts were detected by MTT methods. Results The proliferation rates of osteoblasts cultured for 2 days and 4 days were significantly inhibited by 10 ng/mL and 0.01 ng/mL of TL respectively. The inhibition rate was positively correlated with TL concentrations. Conclusion It is indicated that the direct suppressive effects of TL on proliferation capacity of osteoblasts play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis induced by TW.

Key words: Triptolide, Osteoblast