Abstract: Objective To study the function of GRP78 and CHOP in the process of reducing arsenic poisoning rat’s hepatocyte apoptosis by metallothionein.Methods Established the model of NaAsO2-induced liver injury and treatment with MT for two weeks.The apoptosis of hepatic cell was detected by TUNEL.The expression of GRP78 and CHOP protein in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.Results Compared with normal rats, the apoptosis and the expression of GRP78 and CHOP protein of hepatic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,the apoptosis and the expression of GRP78 and CHOP protein of hepatic cells in the treatment group with MT were significantly reduced (P<0.05).Conclusion MT may be reduce arsenic poisoning rat’s hepatocyte apoptosis by decreasing GRP78 and CHOP protein expression.

Key words: metallothione, arsenic poisoning, liver injury, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, GRP78, CHOP