LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF "SHO-SAIKO-TO" INCREASES CYTOCHROME P-450 mRNA LEVEL IN MOUSE LIVER

抄録

Simplified differential display of mRNA was applied to isolate and identify genes transcriptionally regulated in mouse liver by sho-saiko-to administration. A cDNA fragment up-regulated by sho-saiko-to was isolated and characterized. cDNA sequencing and subsequent database analysis revealed that the fragment showed significant sequence similarity with mouse testosterone 16-alpha-hydroxylase (cytochrome P-450_16α) cDNA. The increased level of mRNA expression of cytochrome P-450_16α in association with sho-saiko-to administration suggests the molecular mechanism of the chemopreventive effect of sho-saiko-to. This result indicates the usefulness of the mRNA differential display technique to investigate the molecular mechanism of Kampo medicine.