Objective:To investigate the effects of Pingmu Decoction on apoptosis of retrobulbar adipocytes in a mouse model of Graves’ ophthalmopathy and the mechanism of action. MethodsFemale BALB/c mice were randomly divided into model group and low-, medium- and high-dose Pingmu Decoction groups, 15 animals in each group. A mouse model of Graves’ ophthalmopathy was established by immunizing the female BALB/c mice with hTSHR recombinant plasmid. After successful modeling, the low-, medium- and high-dose Pingmu Decoction groups were given crude drug at 7.75 g·kg-1·d-1, 15.5 g·kg-1·d-1 and 31 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively by gavage for 8 weeks. Apoptosis of retrobulbar adipocytes was observed, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Fas, Fasl, Chop, Caspase-12 mRNA and protein of the cells was detected in mice.  Results:Compared with the model group, the apoptotic rate of retrobulbar adipocytes increased in the Pingmu Decoction Groups (P<0.05). Except for Caspase-12 mRNA in the high-dose Pingmu Decoction group, the expression of Bax, FasL, Chop and Caspase-12 mRNA and protein increased in the remaining groups (P<0.05), even more evident in the medium-dose Pingmu Decoction group.  Conclusion:Pingmu Decoction promotes apoptosis of retrobulbar adipocytes in mice with Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and the apoptotic pathway may be the combined action of the mitochondrial pathway, death receptor pathway and endoplasmic reticulum pathway.