OBJECTIVETo establish the model of gynecological asthenia cold syndrome by simulating the etiology of gynecological asthenia cold syndrome depending on 'pathogenic cold impairing yang" in Chinese medicine theory.

METHODSThe female SD rats were randomly divided into the model group and the normal group by randomized digital table, 20 in each group. Rats in the model group were placed in 0 degrees C - 1 degree C ice water, and the ice water was placed in 4 degrees C refrigerator, twice daily, 20 min each time, for a total of 30 days. The body temperature was determined and the changes of the estrous cycle were observed every day. When the body temperature decreased (with statistical difference from those of the normal group), and vaginal smears showed disordered estrous cycle, the model was successfully established. Rats were sacrificed during the diestrus period, the correlative indices including reproductive endocrine hormones in blood [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol ( E2 ), testosterone (T), and progestone (P)], the thyroid function [triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), thyrotropic-stimulating hormone (TSH)], the adrenal function [plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (Cor)], the cellular immune function [serum interleukin-2 (IL-2)], and energy tests [including plasma cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the ratio of cAMP/cGMP, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)], an the index of thymus, spleen, uterus, and ovary were detected.

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group appeared chill, dim-color hair, purple and dark ears and claw. They were depressed, scrunched, quiet, and clumsy. They liked to stay together. Their water intake and appetite were reduced, body weight lost, body temperature significantly lowered. They passed loose stool. Their estrous cycle and diestrus were prolonged. Their plasma cGMP content, cAMP/cGMP ratio, LDH, serum IL-2 content, E2, P, T, T3, LH, TSH were significantly lowered to some extent. Their thymus index and the ovary index significantly decreased, showing significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe rat model of gynecological asthenia cold syndrome prepared by extending the frozen time at refrigerator and ice water immersion was in line with clinical features of gynecological asthenia cold syndrome.