OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on nitroglycerin(GTN)-induced activation of the satellite cells released inflammatory cytokines and to explore its mechanism.

METHODNeonatal rat satellite cells of trigeminal ganglia were cultured and separated into three groups. Group CON: the cells were normal cultured; Group TGN: the cells were cultured with 0.55 mmol x L(-1) GTN; Group Tet: the cells were treated with 0.55 mmol x L(-1) GTN and 1 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) Tet respectively. Cell viability after GTN and Tet was detected by AlamarBlue assay. The concentration change of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in single satellite cell loaded with Fluo-3/AM was determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. NF-kappaB and IL-1beta mRNA levels were determined by FQ-PCR. Through double-immunofluorescent staining identifies satellite cells and determines the expression of NF-kappaB protein.

RESULTSatellite cells activities decreased with GTN stimulating, but according to the viability and modality of the cells, 1 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) Tet was the suitable prophylaxis. Tet can inhibit the elevation of cytosolic free calcium of rat satellite cell and decrease the mRNA and protein levels of NF-kappaB and the mRNA levels of IL-1beta.

CONCLUSIONVia preventing Ca2+ influxion, Tet inhibited NF-kappaB activation of satellite cell which decreased IL-1beta expression.