OBJECTIVEThe present study aims to study the influences experimental navigation and intensive exercise on immune-neuroendocrine network of the male rats and the effects of PNS to this influence.

METHODThirty 6-week Sprague-Dawley male rats (SD rats) were randomly located into three groups: Quiescent control (QC) group, training control (TC) group and Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) group. Rats from QC group were not given any stimuli, and samples were taken after 7-day intragastric administration of saline. Rats from TC group underwent 10-day run training of increasing load on treadmill and received 7-day intragastric administration of saline. PNS group were subjected to the same procedure of run training as group TC, and received intragastric administration of PNS at the dose of 0.2 g x kg(-1). Blood samples were immediately obtained at the end of the tests to determine the serum levels of corticosterone (Cort), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) by RIA. Expressions of Pituitary ACTH, NPY were observed use the immunohistochemistry method and correlation analyses conducted. And the ultrastructural changes of the pituitaries and the adrenal cortex cells were examined by electron microscope meanwhile.

RESULTThe serum beta-EP and Cort levels in TC group were significantly increased compared to the QC group; whereas Expression levels of pituitary ACTH, NPY were markedly higher after experimental navigation and intensive exercise. In Group PNS, the plasma Cort, ACTH and NPY levels decreased significantly compared to Group TC. Meanwhile we found expression levels of pituitary ACTH, NPY also lower than group TC. There was no significant difference about the ultrastructure of anterior pituitary and adrenal cortex of QC and PNS group. However, a obvious change of ultrastructure occurred to TC group rats.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that immune-neuroendocrine network function of rats were confused by negative psychological stresses and intensive exercise. PNS therapy may exert regulation effects to the network.