OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of Wenfei Huayin Recipe (WHR) in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

METHODSThe COPD model was induced by modified fumigating method and intra-tracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. Then reformed COPD model of cold-phlegm retention in Fei syndrome type. All the model rats were randomly divided into two groups, the model group and the treated group, treated respectively with WHR and saline for 14 successive days. Besides, a blank group without any intervention was set up for control. The general condition, weight growth rate, pathological changes of lung tissue under light microscope, ultrastructure under electron microscope, arterial blood gas analysis and levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in lung homogenate by radio-immunity assay were observed.

RESULTSIn the treated group, as compared with the control group, the symptoms of aversion to cold, swarming, wheezing, the degree of epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis, the inflammatory cell infiltration and the volume of cilia lodging, sloughing, and bullae of lung were lessened and weight growth rate was higher (P<0.01). Moreover, the treated group was superior to the control group in decreasing levels of PaCO2, IL-4, IL-8, TNF-alpha and increasing PaO2, IFN-gamma and IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONWHR can correct the Th1/Th2 imbalance and inhibit the inflammatory reaction, displaying an important role in improving the airway function and structure in COPD rats.