Effect of Lirukang Oral Liquid(利乳康口服液) on Neurotransmitters and Estrogen in Rats with Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland

Objective: To investigate the effects of Lirukang oral liquid (LRK, 利乳康口服液) on release of neurotransmitter in rats with hyperpiasia of mammary glands (HMG) and to explore its mechanism. Methods: Sixty rats were divided into six groups, the normal control group, the model control group, the large dosage (3.6g/kg) and the small dosage (1.8g/kg) LRK groups, the Ruzengning (乳增宁, RZN, 2.5g/kg) group and the tamoxifen (TAM, 5mg/kg) group, 10 in each group. Except those in the normal control group, all the animals were made into rat model of HMG by intraperitoneal injection of estradiol benzoate. Levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in hypothalamus and mammary gland in rats were detected by fluorescence luminosity assay, and level of prolactin (PRL) in serum was detected by radioimmunoassay.Results: In the model group, the level of DA reduced significantly (P＜0.01), and 5-HT and PRL increased obviously ( P＜0.01). Compared with the model group, the LRK groups of both dosages and the TAM group had their level of DA significantly increased (P ＜ 0. 01 ), and level of 5-HT significantly decreased ( P＜0.01). The serum PRL in both LRK groups was significantly decreased ( P＜0.01). No obvious changes in DA, 5-HT and PRL were found in the RZN group. Conclusion: LRK and TAM have similar effects in regulating the release of neurotransmitter in hypothalamus and mammary gland and serum content of estrogen in the animal models of HMG.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its pathogenic effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective:To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its pathological effect in the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver of rats,and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:The rat NAFLD model was established by giving a fat-enriched diet.The blood samples were obtained form abdominal aorta and the levels of serum ALT,AST and IL-1,changes in the hepatic tissue 6-k-PGF1α TXB2 were measured.The expression level of COX-2 in rats livers were assayed by immunohistochemistry,RT-PCR and Western-blot.Results:Light microscope analysis revealed that hepatocytes were injured in the model group and slightly in the treatment group.The levels of serum TXB2 and IL-1 in the fatty liver rats were increased.Compared with the model group,the IL-1 and TXB2 increased significantly(P < 0.05),on the contrary,compared with the normal group,the hepatic tissue 6-Keto-prostagland decreased significantly in the model group(P < 0.05),the treatment group also increased but P > 0.05.There was no positive expression of COX-2 in hepatic tissue of normal rats.In the model group,there was positive expression of COX-2 antigen and the number of COX positive cells progressively increased at 4,8,12 wks.The intensity of expression of COX-2 had significantly increased(P < 0.05)and the intensity of COX-2 expression in the treated group decreased remarkably compared with the model group(P < 0.05).The expression of COX-2 mRNA and the level of COX-2 protein were significantly stronger in the liver of model rats compared with normal rats,and significantly weaker in treated rats,than in 8W and 12W model rats(P < 0.05).Conclusion:The increase of COX-2 expression in NAFLD is closely associated with the severity of liver inflammation and damage.COX-2 may play an important role in the progression of rat NAFLD,and the expression of COX-2 mRNA is downregulated by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor,which can depress the oxidative stress and control inflammatory response efficiently.     

Effects on the Tumor Specific Growth Factor and Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Rats' Precancerous Lesion of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Direct Moxibustion at Ganshu(BL 18) Acupoint

Objective: To investigate the effect of direct moxibustion at Ganshu(BL18) on the serum concentrations of tumor specific growth factor(TSGF) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) in a rat model with precancerous lesion of primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion underlying improvement of HCC. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10), model group(n=20), prevention group 1(n=15) and prevention group 2(n=15). The normal rats were injected with physiological saline as blank control. At the same time, the rats of other three groups were injected with diethylnitrosamine to establish the HCC model. Direct moxibustion with grain-sized moxa was applied to bilateral Ganshu acupoint of the rats in the prevention group 1(1 treatment course, 20 days) and prevention group 2(2 treatment courses, 40 days), 5 doses for each acupoint, 0.5 mg/dose, once every other day. At each time point(before model establishment, the end of 1st course prevention, the end of 2nd course prevention and the end of model establishment), serum levels of TSGF and TNF-α were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the control group, there was a remarkably increase of serum TSGF and TNF-α contents in the model group at the end of the experiment(P0.05). At the end of the 1st course of direct moxibustion, the contents of serum TSGF and TNF-α of rats in the prevention group 1 were significantly increased compared with that of the model group(P0.05). At the end of the 2nd course of direct moxibustion, serum TSGF and TNF-α levels of rats in the model group were higher than the normal group with significantly difference(P0.05), and the levels of TSGF and TNF-α in the prevention group 2 were significantly reduced in comparison with the model group(P0.05). Conclusion: It was possible that direct moxibustion could inhibit precancerous lesion and postpone hepatocarcinogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of two courses were better than one course.     

Role of β2-adrenoceptor-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB signal transduction pathway and intervention effects of oxymatrine in ulcerative colitis

Objective:To investigate the β2-adrenoceptor(β2AR)-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signal transduction pathway and the intervention effects of oxymatrine in a rat model of ulcerative colitis.Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups,which included the normal control group,the model group, the mesalazine group and the oxymatrine treatment group,with 10 rats per group.Experimental colitis induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) was established in each group except the normal control group.The rats in the oxymatrine treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of oxymatrine 63 mg/(kg·d) for 15 days and the rats in the mesalazine group were treated with mesalazine solution 0.5 g/(kg·d) by gastric lavage for 15 days. The rats in the normal control group and model group were treated with 3 mL water by gastric lavage for 15 days. Diarrhea and bloody stool were carefully observed.Histological changes in colonic tissue were examined on day 7 in 2 rats per group that were randomly selected.The expression of β2AR,β-arrestin2 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissue and spleen lymphocytes were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting techniques on day 16 after fasting for 24 h.Six rats died of lavage with 2 each in the normal control,the model group and the mesalazine group;and were not included in the analysis.Results:The rats in the model group suffered from looser stool and bloody purulent stool after modeling.But in the oxymatrine and mesalazine groups,looser stool and bloody purulent stool reduced after treatment.And the colonic wall in the model group was thickened and the colon length shortened.The colon mucosa was congested in multiple areas with edema,erosion,superficial or linear ulcer and scar formation,while the intestinal mucosa injury reduced in the mesalazine and oxymatrine groups(P<0.01).In colonic mucosa and in spleen lymphocytes,compared with the normal control group,the expression of NF-κBp65 were significantly increased(P<0.01) in the model group while the expressions ofβ2AR andβ-arrestin2 were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the expression of NF-κBp65 was significantly decreased in the mesalazine group(P<0.01) and oxymatrine treatment group(P<0.01) while the expressions of β2AR and β-arrestin2 were significantly increased(P<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of β2AR,β-arrestin2 and NF-κBp65 between the mesalazine group and oxymatrine group(P>0.05).Conclusions:The β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway participated in the pathologic course of ulcerative colitis.Oxymatrine attenuated ulcerative colitis through regulating the β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway.     

Effects of Acupuncture on Progesterone and Prolactin in Rats of Embryo Implantation Dysfunction

Objective:To investigate the effect of acupuncture on progesterone(P4) and prolactin(PRL) in rats of embryo implantation dysfunction(EID).Methods:On the first day of pregnancy,72 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into the normal group,the EID model group,the acupuncture group and the P4 group(18 in each group).The normal group was injected sesame oil,while the other three groups were given mifepristone to establish the EID model.The acupuncture group and the P4 group were given treatment of acupuncture and P4 injection,respectively.The serum of P4 and PRL were detected by radioimmunoassay,and the mRNA and protein expressions of P4 receptor(PR) and PRL receptor(PRLR) were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical method,respectively.Results:Compared with the normal group,the serum levels of P4 and PRL as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of PR and PRLR in the EID model group were significantly lowered(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The above indices in the acupuncture group and the P4 group were significantly elevated compared with the EID model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture can promote embryo implantation effectively,which might be related to the effects of acupuncture on upregulating the P4 and PRL levels in serum and the PR and PRLR expression levels in rats.     

曾耀明 郑伟伟 余维微 陈余圣 林上助

Objective: To observe the level of serum CGRP and 5-hydroxytryptamine in animals model of irritable bowel syndrome treated with sheng yang yi wei decoction.Methods: 70 SPF SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group,model group,dicetel group,sheng yang yi wei decoction group(low dosage,moderate dosage,high dosage).The rat model of irritable bowel syndrome was made by binding stress and clasping their tails.group.Changes of diarrhea rate were observed in these groups．Radioimmunoassay was used to detect the level of CGRP and 5-HT in plasma．Results：The diarrhea rates in group were decreased after treatment,and had the statistics significance in comparison with model group and dicetel group(P<0.05)．The contents of 5-HT in plasma in model group were higher than those in normal control group,while the levels of CGRP in model group were slighly lower than those in normal control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the contents of 5-HT in plasma in dicetel group and sheng yang yi wei decoction group were markedly decreased than those in model group(P<0.05),while the levels of CGRP had no statistics significance among all groups(P>0.05).Conclusions: Sheng yang yi wei decoction can markly alleviate the symptom of diarrhea,inhibit 5-HT synthesis and secretion in animal model of irritable bowel syndrome,while it does not effect the levels of CGRP.     

Expression of Interleukin-17 in Lung and Peripheral Blood of Asthmatic Rats and the Influence of Dexamethasone

The expression of interleukin-17(IL-17) in lung and peripheral blood of asthmatic rats and the influence of dexamethasone,and the role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of asthma were investigated.Thirty Sprague-Dawley(SD) adult rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=10 in each group):normal group,asthmatic group,and dexamethasone-interfered group.Rat asthmatic model was established by intraperitoneal(i.p.) injection of 10% ovalbumin(OVA) and challenge with 1% OVA via inhalation.Rats in dexamethasone-interfered group were pretreated with dexamethasone(2 mg/kg,i.p.) 30 min before each challenge.The expression of IL-17 protein in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was detected by ELISA.The expression of IL-17 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) and BALF cells was semi-quantitatively detected by RT-PCR.The expression of IL-17 protein in serum and BALF of asthmatic rats was significantly elevated as compared with normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.01),and there was significant difference between normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.05).The expression of IL-17 mRNA in PBMC and BALF cells of asthmatic rats was markedly increased as compared with normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.01),and significant difference was found between normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.05).It was concluded that the expression of IL-17 was increased significantly in asthmatic rats and could be inhibited partly by dexamethasone,suggesting that IL-17 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma as an inflammation regulation factor.     

Effects of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on TGF-β and MCP-1 in Injured Lung of Rats

The primary objective of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） on bleomycin （BLM）-induced lung injury of rats and the effect on transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）. MSCs were isolated from SD rats. The recipients rats were divided randomly into four groups： lung injury group, MSC treatment group, MSC control group and normal control group. Rats of lung injury group and MSC treatment group were perfused with BLM of 5mg/kg （0.2-0.3ml） intratracheally, others were perfused with normal saline. After twelve hours, rats of MSC treatment group and MSC control group were injected MSCs of 0.5×10^6per rat into tail vein. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphology in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect the contents of TGF-β and MCP-1 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）. Collagen content of the lung tissue was assessed by hydroxyproline （HYP） concentration. It was found that the thickness of alveolar wall and lung interstitium were significantly reduced in the rats of MSC treatment group compared with the lung injury group. HYP content in lung interstitium, TGF-β and MCP-1 in serum and BALF were increased significantly in rats of lung injury group two weeks after BLM perfusion, but they were reduced significantly in the rats of MSC treatment group compared with the injured rats. These observations provide evidence that MSCs engraftment could alleviate bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis in rats and the therapeutic effects might relate with the decrease of TGF-β and MCP-1.     

Effects of Serum Containing Xinlikang (心力康) on Angiotensin Ⅱ Induced Hypertrophy in Cultured Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Xinlikang (心力康,XLK) on angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ) induced hypertrophic cultured neonatal rat's cardiomyocyte (CMC). Methods: Primary cultured neonatal rat's CMCs with the purity certified by immunohistochemical technique, were divided into three groups. Rats in the normal control group were untreated; those in the model group were established into hypertrophic models but underwent no treatment; and those in the XLK group were established to hypertrophic models and treated with XLK containing serum obtained from rats with aorta coarctation after 8 days of feeding with XLK. MTT and phase-contrast microscope were used to evaluate the effect of XLK on cell activity, pulsating rhythm and surface area; Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression was determined by radioimmunoassay; Protein content was determined by Bradford method; and DNA synthesis was detected by flow cytometric assay. Results: Immunohistochemistry results showed that more than 90% of the cells wereα-sarcometin actin stained positive cells. No significant effect of XLK on normal CMC was found. AngⅡcould significantly induce hypertrophy in CMCs, and XLK could significantly decrease the increased surface area and the accelerated pulsating rate in them. ANP expression was 780±38 Mg/L in the model group, and 430±23μg/L in the control group, and the elevated expression of ANP in model rats was significantly decreased in the XLK group;The DNA content in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases was significantly enhanced and at the same time it was accompanied with increase of total protein content in the model rats after being stimulated by AngⅡfor 24 h, showing that serum-containing XLK could also significantly suppress total protein synthesis (P<0. 05). Conclusion: XLK could improve AngⅡmediated pathological growth of CMCs without influencing the growth of normal CMCs, suggesting that XLK is probably an effective drug for treatment of myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure.     

Effect of Wuziyanzong Pill on sperm quality and calcium ion content in oligoasthenospermia rats

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of Wuziyanzong treatment on the sperm quality and content of calcium ions(Ca 2+) in oligoasthenospermia rats.METHODS:A model of oligoasthenospermia was induced in 50 Sprague Dawley rats by treatment with tripterygium glycosides at 30 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks.They were divided randomly into a model group,a positive group(Huangjingzanyu capsule,3.01 g/kg),and low,medium and high dose Wuziyanzong treatment groups(2.30,4.60,9.20 g/kg crude drug respectively) with 10 in each group.Another 10 rats were used as a control group.The rats in the control and model groups were administered distilled water,while the rats in the remaining groups were administered Wuziyanzong for 30 d.The epididymides were removed,spermatozoa recovered and the sperm density and viability were measured.The spermatozoa were purified and the contents of Ca 2+ in the cytoplasm and mitochondria were detected by flow cytometry and atomic absorption spectrometry,respectively.RESULTS:After 8 weeks of treatment with tripterygium glycosides,the sperm density,sperm activity and the Ca 2 + content of spermatozoa in the model rats were all significantly decreased compared with the control group(all P<0.05).After 30 d treatment,the sperm density and activity improved and the Ca 2 + content of sperm were increased significantly in the medium and high dose Wuziyanzong treatment groups in comparison with the model group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The Wuziyanzong treatment increased sperm density,improved sperm viability and enhanced the content of Ca 2+ in the sperm cytoplasm and mitochondria in this rat model of oligoasthenospermia.     

Intervention Effects of Jianpi Liqi Huoxue Decoction (健脾理气活血汤) on Lipid Peroxidative Liver Injury by Alcohol

Objective: To study the intervention effects of Jianpi Liqi Huoxue Decoction ( 健脾理气活血汤, JLHD) on lipid peroxidative liver injury induced by alcohol. Methods: The rat alcoholic model of liver disease (ALD) induced by Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet was established. Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal group ( n = 5), the control group ( n = 9), the model group ( n = 9) and the JLHD group (n = 9). From the 4th week after modeling, the rats were given JLHD or distilled water by gastrogavage respectively, and the samples of blood and liver tissues were taken out from the rats for determination by the end of the 8th week. The hepatic pathological changes were observed with HE staining; the liver injury related indices, including activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activity and triglyceride (TG) content in liver tissues, as well as the lipid peroxidation related indices, including malonaldehyde (MDA) content and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in liver tissue, serum Fe2 level, and the anti-peroxidation capacity related indices, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathion ( GSH) content and reactive oxygen species (antiROS) activity in liver tissues were determined. Results: ( 1 ) There were obvious figures of fatty degeneration and inflammatory infiltration in liver tissues of the model group. As compared with the control group, in the model group, the activity of ALT and AST, and Fe2 content in serum, γ-GT and NOS activity, TG and MDA content in liver tissues were significantly higher ( P＜0.01 ), while the activity of SOD, GSH and anti-ROS in liver tissues were significantly lower ( P＜0.01 ). (2) The fatty degeneration and inflammatory infiltration of liver tissues in the JLHD group were significantly lessen as compared with those in the model group; and the abnormalities of all the indexes revealed in the model rats were restored to certain extent in the JLHD group,and especially significant were the levels of ALT activity, MDA content and Fe2 , which were nearly normal.Conclusion: JLHD has significant effects against alcoholic liver injury, the acting mechanism of which is likely to be related with its anti-lipid peroxidative effect.     

Effects of Bushen Huoxue Decoction on Nitric Oxide （NO） in Serum, Articular Cartilage and Synovium in Rabbits of Knee Osteoarthritis

Forty-eight New Zealand rabbits were divided into normal group(n=18),control group(n=18)andChinese herbs treatment group(n=12)randomly.The rabbits in the normal group receivedsham-operation,and the OA model was established by Hulth's method.All the rabbits in the treatmentgroup were given Bushen Huoxue Decoction(补肾活血汤)from the 6th week after the operation.At 6th,8th and 12th week after the operation,the NO concentrations of the serum,joint cartilage and synoviumwere examined.Results:Indicated that the NO concentrations of the serum,joint cartilage and synoviumin the control group were all significantly higher than those in the normal group,with the joint cartilagemore obvious(P<0.05).In the Chinese herbs treatment group the NO concentrations in all the partsobviously decreased as compared with the control group(P<0.05).It is suggested that Bushen HuoxueDecoction decrease the levels of NO in the serum,synovium and joint cartilage in the OA rabbit.     

Fuzheng Huayu Formula (扶正化瘀方) Prevents Rat Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Induced by HgCl2 via Antioxidative Stress and Down-regulation of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Activity

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of action of Fuzheng Huayu Formula (扶正化瘀方, FZHY) against renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) relating to oxidative injury and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal group, model group and FZHY treatment group. The RIF model was induced by oral administration of HgCl2 at a dose of 8 mg/kg body weight once a day for 9 weeks. Meanwhile, rats in FZHY treatment group orally took FZHY at a dose of 4.0 g/kg rat weight for 9 weeks. The content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen deposition in kidney were observed. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the content of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of kidney were tested. The expressions of inhibitor-κappa B (IκB), phospho-IκB (p-IκB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were analyzed by Western blot. α-SMA expression was also observed by immunofluorescent staining. MMP-2 activity was measured by gelatin zymography. NF-κB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results: Renal interstitial fibrosis was induced by HgCl2, demonstrated by remarkably increased Hyp contents and excessive collagen deposition in kidney (P<0.01). FZHY significantly inhibited renal interstitial collagen deposition and reduced Hyp content of the HgCl2-treated rats (P<0.01). GSH content decreased obviously, and MDA content increased significantly in HgCl2-treated rats compared with that of normal rats (P<0.01). FZHY significantly increased GSH content and decreased MDA content in the model rats (P<0.01). The expression α-SMA was increased in model rats compared with that of normal rats, FZHY significantly decreased its expression (P<0.01). The expressions of p-IκB and TNF-α and MMP-2, MMP-2 activity, and NF-κB activation were increased in model group compared with that in normal group (P<0.01), FZHY significantly decreased NF-κB activation, MMP-2 activity and p-IκB and TNF-α expressions (P<0.01). Conclusions: FZHY could protect kidney from oxidative injury intoxicated by HgCl2, and antagonized oxidative stress-stimulated NF-κB activity through inhibition of IκB phosphorylation in the interstitial fibrotic kidney, these effects importantly contributed to FZHY action mechanism against renal interstitial fibrosis.     

Effect of Acute Pancreatitis on the Pharmacokinetics of Chinese Herbal Micron Liuhe Pill Ointment (微米六合丹) in Rats

Objective: To explore the effect of acute pancreatitis (AP) on the pharmacokinetics of herbal ointment micron Liuhe Pill (微米六合丹, MLHP) components in anesthetized rats. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into a AP model group (n=6) and a normal group as a control (n=6). The rat model of AP was induced by intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine in rats (15 mg/kg, twice, interval 1 h). Chinese herbal ointment MLHP was used externally on the belly after the 2nd injection for 48 h in both groups. Emodin, rhein, aloe emodin, physcion, chrysophanol from MLHP were detected and quantified in rat serum and pancreas (at 48 h) by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Among the five components, only emodin, aloe emodin and physcion from MLHP were detected in all rat serum and most of the rats'' pancreas. Rhein and chrysophanol were not detected in both serum and pancreas. T1/2α of emodin and physcion in MLHP were obviously shorter in the AP model group than those in the normal group (P<0.05), while there was no difference for T1/2α of aloe emodin. The peak concentration and area under curve of all three components were much higher in the AP group than those in the normal group with MLHP in external application for 48 h (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mean residence time (MRT) and maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of emodin and aloe emodin were obviously longer in the AP model group than those in the normal control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference for Ka of all components between the two groups. Emodin could be detected in all rats'' pancreas at 48 h in both groups, while its mean pancreatic concentration was higher in the AP model group than in the normal group (0.61±0.54 ng/mL, 0.42±0.37 ng/mL, respectively, P<0.05). Aloe emodin could be detected in all rats'' pancreas at 48 h in both groups and their mean pancreatic concentration were similar (0.31±0.24 ng/mL, 0.33±0.17 ng/mL, respectively, P>0.05). Physcion could be detected in pancreas of most rats in the AP model while only two rats in the normal group. Conclusion: AP could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of absorbed components of Chinese herbal MLHP ointment in rats.     

Intervention effects of Jianpi Liqi Huoxue Decoction (健脾理气活血汤) on lipid peroxidative liver injury induced by alcohol

Objective： To study the intervention effects of Jianpi Liqi Huoxue Decoction （健脾理气活血汤, JLHD） on lipid peroxidative liver injury induced by alcohol. Methods： The rat alcoholic model of liver disease （ALD） induced by Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet was established. Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups ： the normal group （ n = 5）, the control group （ n = 9）, the model group （ n = 9） and the JLHD group （ n =9）. From the 4th week after modeling, the rats were given JLHD or distilled water by gastrogavage respectively, and the samples of blood and liver tissues were taken out from the rats for determination by the end of the 8th week. The hepatic pathological changes were observed with HE staining; the liver injury related indices, including activity of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） in serum, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase （γ-GT） activity and triglyceride （TG） content in liver tissues, as well as the lipid peroxidation related indices, including malonaldehyde （MDA） content and nitric oxide synthase （NOS） activity in liver tissue, serum Fe^2＋ level, and the anti-peroxidation capacity related indices, including superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity, glutathion （GSH） content and reactive oxygen species （anti- ROS） activity in liver tissues were determined. Results： （ 1 ） There were obvious figures of fatty degeneration and inflammatory infiltration in liver tissues of the model group. As compared with the control group, in the model group, the activity of ALT and AST, and Fe^2＋ content in serum, γ-GT and NOS activity, TG and MDA content in liver tissues were significantly higher （ P〈0. 01 ）, while the activity of SOD, GSH and anti-ROS in liver tissues were significantly lower （P〈0.01）. （2） The fatty degeneration and inflammatory infiltration of liver tissues in the JLHD group were significantly lessen as compared with those in the model group; and the abnormalities of all the indexes revealed in the model rats were restored to certain extent in the JLHD group, and especially significant were the levels of ALT activity, MDA content and Fe^2＋ , which were nearly normal. Conclusion： JLHD has significant effects against alcoholic liver injury, the acting mechanism of which is likely to be related with its anti-lipid peroxidative effect.     

Cardio-protective Effects of Corocalm （疏冠胶囊） on Acute Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Objective: To investigate the cardio-protective effects of Corocalm (疏冠胶囊)on acute myocardial ischemia in rats, and to explore its possible therapeutic mechanisms. Methods: The acute ischemic model was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in rats. The animals were divided into 6 groups, 8 in each group. The sham operated group underwent heart exposure without ligation and were treated with normal saline 3 ml/kg, while the other 5 groups, the model groups, consisted of acceptable acute ischemic model rats and were also treated with normal saline, with the Guanxin Capsule (冠心胶囊,GXC) group treated with refined GXC, 600 mg/kg, the low and high dose Corocalm groups treated with 85 mg/kg and 340 mg/kg of Corocalm respectively, and the Diltiazem group, treated with Diltiazem 5 mg/kg, with all the tested drugs prepared with normal saline into equal volume (3 ml/kg) and administrated once via duodenum 10 min before ligation. Myocardial infarction area was determined by the quantitative histoiogical assay with nitroblue tetrazolium (N-BT) stain. And the levels of creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were measured by biochemical assay and spectrophotometry respectively. Besides, the blood viscosity in another 50 rats was determined, who received for 7 successive days oral administration with different concentration of Corocalm or aspirin. Results: It showed that low and high dose Corocalm could significantly reduce the infarction area, inhibit the increase of serum CK, LDH activity and MDA content, and enhance the SOD activity after ischemia/reperfusion. The whole blood viscosity at different shear rates in rats treated with high dose Corocalm was significantly lower than those treated with normal saline (P<0.05).Conclusion: Corocalm has favourable protective effects on heart in ischemic condition, the effect of which might be through its actions in inhibiting CK and LDH activity, scavenging oxygen free radicals, and lowering blood viscosity.     

Effect and Mechanisms of Gong-Tone Music on the Immunological Function in Rats with Liver (Gan)-Qi Depression and Spleen (Pi)-Qi Deficiency Syndrome in Rats

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Gong-tone music on the immunological function in rats with the Chinese medicine syndrome of Liver (Gan)-qi stagnation and Spleen (Pi)-qi deficiency (LSSD). Methods: Twenty five male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, Xiaoyao Powder (逍遥散) group, Gong-tone group and combined group (the combination of Gong-tone and Xiaoyao Powder), with 5 rats in each group. The rat model for the Chinese medicine syndrome of LSSD was induced by chronic bandage and irregular diet. The course of treatment was 21 days. After the treatment, the levels of serum gastrin and IgG were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Phagocytosis of macrophages was detected by the neutral red uptake assay and T cell proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: The serum gastrin, macrophage phagocytosis, IgG level and proliferation ability of T cells in the model group were significantly decreased compared with those in the normal group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, the serum levels of gastrin, macrophage phagocytosis, IgG level and proliferation ability of T cells in Gong-tone, Xiaoyao Powder, and combined groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). The combined group was superior to either Gong-tone group or Xiaoyao Powder group. Conclusion: Gong-tone music may upregulate the immunological function and play a role in adjuvant therapy in the Chinese syndrome of LSSD.     

Expression of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in Airway Epithelial Tissue of Asthmatic Rats

In order to investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF) in airway epithelial tissues of normal and asthmatic rats,the influence of dexamethasone and the role of LIF in pathogenesis of asthma,30 Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups(10 for each group):normal group,asthma model group,and dexamethasone-interfered group.In asthma model group and dexamethasone-interfered group,asthma rat models were established by intraperi-toneal(i.p.) injection of 10% ovalbumin(OVA) and challenge with 1% OVA via inhalation.Rats in dexamethasone-interfered group were pretreated with dexamethasone(2 mg/kg,i.p) 30 min before each challenge.The expression of LIF protein in lung was detected by immunohistochemistry.The results showed that LIF protein was mainly expressed in cytoplasm of bronchial epithelial cells.The expression of LIF protein in the airway epithelial tissue of asthma model group was significantly higher than that in normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group(P<0.01),but there was no sig-nificant difference between normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group(P>0.05).It was con-cluded that the expression of LIF was increased significantly in the airway epithelial tissue of the asthma rats,and dexamethasone could down-regulate the expression of LIF.It was suggested that LIF might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma as an inflammation regulator.     

Effect of Qingre Buyi Decoction (清热补益汤) on Nitric Oxide and Histomorphology of Intestinal Mucosa in Rats with Radiation Enteritis

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Qingre Buyi Decoction (清热补益汤,QBD) in prevention and treatment of radiation enteritis in rats. Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, the TCM group, the WM group, the model group and the control group, 12 in each group. Rats in the former three groups were given orally with QBD, norfloxacin and normal saline once a day for 7 successive days, after being irradiated with X-ray at single dose of 10 Gy for modeling of radiation enteritis, while rats in the control group were untreated. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the medication. NO concentration, mean height and number of villi per centimeter in their small intestinal mu-cosa were measured. Results: The intestinal NO concentration was significantly lower in the TCM and WM groups than that in the model group(P<0.05), while the number of villi was significantly more and the height higher in the former two groups than those in the model group (P<0.01 for both), but no signif     

针灸脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠百会及足三里穴位对热休克蛋白70及肿瘤坏死因子-α表达的作用

Objective:To explore the effects of acupuncture on the peripheral serum expression of heat shock protein 70(HSP70)and tumor necrosis factor a(TNF-α)in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI).Methods:In total,152 Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into an operated group and a non-operated group according to a random digits table.The operated group included a sham-operated group,a model group and an acupuncture group,whereas the non-operated group consisted of a normal group.Except for the normal group,each group was further divided into 12,24,48,72,96,and 144 h time points according to different reperfusion times.Eight rats were assigned in each operated group and in the normal group.The rat model of CIRI was established by the thread occlusion method in the model and acupuncture groups.The acupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at Baihui(DU20)and Zusanli(ST36)for the required time after successful operation.Blood was sampled to detect the HSP70 and TNF-αcontent by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The expression of HSP70 protein in the peripheral serum of the experimental groups was higher than that in the normal control group.The peak time in both the model and the sham-operated groups was 12 h,and the peak time in the acupuncture group was 24 h.The expression in the acupuncture group declined to a lower level at 72 h and was lower than that in the model and sham-operated groups(P0.05).The peak time for the expression of TNF-αprotein in the peripheral serum of both the model and the acupuncture groups was 24 h,but the expression in the acupuncture group was lower than the model group.Additionally,the expression of TNF-αin all experimental groups was higher than the normal group(P0.05).Conclusions:Acupuncture at DU20 and ST36 in rats attenuated CIRI,which was associated with a reduction in the expression of HSP70 and TNF-α.These results provide clues to acupunctural neuroprotective properties.Acupuncture at DU20 and ST36 in rats after CIRI can adjust the expression of HSP70 and TNF-αin the peripheral serum,which might be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture's attenuation of CIRI.