title: [Effect of astragalus membranaceus on the proliferation, osteogenic capacity and structure of periodontal ligament cells in vitro].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (APS) on the proliferation, osteogenic capacity and structure of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  PDLCs were cultured in vitro with APS of 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg x mL(-1). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTr), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cell structure were detected to determine the proliferation and differentiation of PDLCs proliferation and differentiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When the APS was 0.2 mg x mL(-1), the absorbance of MTT and ALP exhibit significantly increased as compared to the control (P < 0.05). The cells cultured in vitro with APS of 0.2 mg x mL(-1) had the normal structure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  APS with proper concentration in short-term culture may promote the proliferation and differentiation of PDLCs.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
authors.forename: Chao-liang
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xiang-li
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Si-xiu
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiao-yu
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D027885:Astragalus propinquus; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010513:Periodontal Ligament
chemical_list: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase