OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of qingchang huashi recipe (QHR) on the dendritic cells (DCs) of experimental colitis rats, thus exploring its possible mechanisms for treating ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODSThe UC rat model was induced by TNBS/anhydrous alcohol. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the QHR group, and the Mesalazine group, 10 in each group. Since the 2nd day of modeling, corresponding medication was respectively administered to each treatment group by gastrogavage for 10 successive days. The number of DCs in the colonic mucosa was observed using iMmunohistochemical assay. The DCs ratio in the mesenteric lymph nodes, and the expressions of surface molecules MHC-II and CD86 were detected using flow cytometry.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the number of DCs in the colonic mucosa significantly decreased, the expression of MHC-II in the mesenteric lymph nodes significantly decreased in the QHR group and the Mesalazine group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the DCs ratios and the CD86 expression among the 4 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQHR could decrease the infiltration of DCs in the colonic mucosa, and suppress the activation of DCs in the mesenteric lymph nodes, which might be one of its mechanisms for treating UC.