OBJECTIVETo study the regulatory effect of San'ao Tang on Thl/Th2 cells and its interference on transcription factor GATA-3 and T-bet-mRNA in asthmatic rats.

METHODRat asthma model was established by abdominal injection and aerosol inhalation of OVA. The content of cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma in alveolus lavage fluid of asthmatic rats was detected before and after the oral administration with large, medium, low dose of San'ao Tang and dexamethasone. T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA expressions in lung tissues were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTCompared with other groups, the medium-dose group showed a notable decrease in IL-4 in rat BALF and an increasing IFN-gamma. Its IL-4/IFN-gamma is significant lower than the asthma group, with expressions of lung tissue GATA-3 and transcription factor T-bet-mRNA in line with changes in IL-4 and IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSIONSan'ao Tang may have a inhibitory effect on airway inflammation of asthmatic rats by regulating Th1/Th2 transfer factors.