Rats with liver cirrhosis induced by TAA as above were randomly assigned to 4 groups (each had 6 rats): Model group, ZTO 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg group. Then the cirrhotic rats were ip given saline, ZTO 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, once daily for 2 weeks. Also the control rats were ip given saline.