Albumin mRNA expression was studied by the use of reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the molecular mechanism in peritoneal infection. Albumin mRNA content markedly decreased. Endotoxin inhibited albumin mRNA expression in vivo probably by stimulating TNF,IL-1, and IL-6 production. Changes of the hormone levels were not the cause of hypoalbuminemia in infection. Reconbined growth hormone and astragalus polysaccharides alleviated inhibition albumin synthesis inhibition increasing albumin serum concentration in rats with peritoneal infection. The results suggested that hypoalbuminemia is associated with endotoxemia during sepsis, which inhibites hepatocytes albumin synthesis probably by stimulating nonparenchymal cells to produce TNF, IL-1, and IL-6.