Abstract: Objective To observe pathological changes and apoptosis in rats myocardial cells after Macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning, and to provide some references for Macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning detection. Methods An experimental model of Macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning was established,and the technology of TUNEL staining was used.The results were analyzed by computer image analysis competitive system. Results Quantities of apoptosis in myocardial cells in poisoning groups were much more than those in the control groups at different tages(P<0.01). In addition the quantities of apoptosis were different after different poisoning duration. Conclusion Although clinical symptoms was not obvious and could not be detected by poison analysis.Pathological changes induced by Macleaya cordata total alkaloids could be found through the apoptosis detection.

Key words: macleaya cordata, alkaloid, poisoning, apoptosis, immunohistochemistry, image analysis