Elevation of ALB expression in the resistant hepatocyte model is enhanced by matrine treatment. The expression and distribution of ALB in rat livers from the control, model, low-dose matrine and high-dose matrine groups were examined by immunohistochemistry (images in left panel and quantification in right panel). The orange color indicated the presence of ALB. Compared with the control group, the model group rats exhibited lower ALB distribution. Matrine treatment at low or high doses enhanced the expression of ALB at 2, 4 and 7 weeks. Data was presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean. ***P<0.001 vs. the control group; ##P<0.01 and ###P<0.001 vs. the model group; ΔΔP<0.01 and ΔΔΔP<0.001 vs. the low matrine group. Magnification, ×400. ALB, albumin.