OBJECTIVETo observe the changes in the adhesive function of vascular endothelial cells (VEC) and rat monocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and co-cultured with smooth muscle cells (SMC) and the intervention effect of paeonol (Pae).

METHODPrimary rat vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were cultured by predigesting and adhering tissue blocks. The VEC-VSMC co-culture model was established by Transwell chamber. LPS was used to induce VEC injury. MTT assay and LDH assay were used to determine the VEC activity. ELISA assay was used to detect IL-1beta and TNF-alpha secreted by the VEC. The immunocytochemistry assay was carried out to detect the expression of ICAM-1. The Rose Bengal Staining was used to test adhesive function between VECs and monocytes.

RESULTThe concentration of LPS-induced VEC injury was 100 microg x L(-1), and the time was 7 h. after the intervention on the above cell model for 24 h, Paeonol (15, 30, 60 micromol x L(-1)) could effectively inhibit LPS-induced VEC injury and VEC injury, significantly enhance the survival rate of LPS-injured VECs, decrease IL-1beta and TNF-alpha secreted by the injured VEC, and reduce the expression of ICAM-1, so as to inhibit the adhesion of LPS-induced VECs and monocytes.

CONCLUSIONPaeonol could inhibit IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression to protect VECs from being injured by LPS, and reduce ICAM-1 expression to inhibit the adhesion between VECs and monocytes.