OBJECTIVETo study Chinese medicine (CM) signs and symptoms of urethane-induced lung cancer in mice, and observe the effect of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Taraxaci Herba on symptoms in mice and tumor progress.

METHODThe mice were intraperitoneally injected with urethane twice a week for consecutively five weeks to establish a lung cancer model. The changes in their appearance, body temperature and auricle microcirculation were observed in carcinogenic process. CM signs and symptoms of urethane-induced lung cancer in mice were evaluated with energy metabolism, erythrocytic ATP emzymatic activity and hemorrheological index. During the tumor model was induced, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Taraxaci Herba were used to treat the mice and observe their effect on symptoms in mice and tumor progress.

RESULTDuring urethane was used to induce lung cancer, the mice had gradually become chill, lazy, hunched, with reduction in temperature, cyanosis in auricle and tail. Meanwhile, their energy metabolism and erythrocytic ATP enzymatic activity reduced, whereas their whole blood viscosity and erythrocytic aggregate index increased. Taraxaci Herba showed an effect on enhancing above symptoms and signs but had no effect on tumor progress. Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata showed an effect on reducing above symptoms and signs and preventing tumor progress.

CONCLUSIONMice with urethane-induced lung cancer show CM signs and symptoms of congealing cold with blood stasis. The treatment with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata can alleviate symptoms and signs in mice and prevent tumor progress.