Abstract: To study the effects of 8-Methoxypsoralen on proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblasts in vitro, MTT, PNPP and RIA were used separately to observe the proliferation, the activity of ALP and the content of osteocalcin of osteoblasts cultured in vitro with 8-Methoxypsoralen of different concentration in it for different incubation periods, Protein was measured by Lowry. The effect of promoting proliferation of rat osteoblasts cells in vitro after 24 h and 36 h was more marked by the groups of 8-Methoxypsoralen compared with the control group. The activity of alkaline phosphate (ALP) and secretion of osteocalcin (BGP) were stimulated by 8-Methoxypsoralen after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h incubation. It was demonstrated that 8-Methoxypsoralen has the effects on stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblasts in vitro.

Key words: osteoblast, proliferation, differentiation, osteocalcin, 8-methoxypsoralen