OBJECTIVETo explore the possible target and molecular mechanism of Radix Paeoniae 801 (RP801), an effective ingredient extracted from Radix Paeoniae, the Chinese herbal medicine for activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, using experimental in vitro method by directly detecting the interaction between RP801 and endothelin-1 (ET-1).

METHODSPiezoelectric quartz crystal biosensor, namely, the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used to detect the specific combining between RP801 and ET-1 by binding avidin to the pre-activated Au surface of electrode of QCM, followed by immobilizing biotinylated ET-1 to it, and adding RP801, then the binding curve was recorded. PBS washing was applied at the end of every steps of combining reaction for dissociate the non-specific absorption.

RESULTSSpecific combining of RP801 and ET-1 was found.

CONCLUSIONET-1 could possibly be one of the acting targets of RP801 in the body, that is, RP801 could combine with ET-1 to impede the binding of ET-1 with its receptor, so as to counteract the action of ET-1, dilate blood vessels and inhibit platelet aggregation.