OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Dachengqi Decoction (大承气汤, DCQD) on morphological changes in the network of enteric nerve-interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs)-smooth muscle cells (SMC) of enteric deep muscular plexuses (DMP) in the rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

METHODSOne hundred Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into the control group, MODS group, and DCQD group. The morphologic changes of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC network in the DMP of intestine was observed using c-Kit and vesicular acetylcholine transporter/neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunohistochemical double-staining with whole-mount preparation technique, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electron microscopy.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the distribution and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic nerves and ICC in the DMP (ICC-DMP) of intestine in the MODS group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the network of cholinergic nerve-ICC-SMC was disrupted; and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP, enteric nerve, and SMC were severely damaged. After treatment with DCQD, the damage in the network of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC was significantly recovered. Compared with the MODS group, the distribution and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic nerves and ICC-DMP in the DCQD group were significantly increased (P<0.01); and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP, enteric nerve, smooth muscle cells were significantly recovered.

CONCLUSIONSDCQD can improve the gastrointestinal motility in MODS. The mechanism may be related to the effect of repairing the damages in the network of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC.