OBJECTIVETo explore the experimental basis of the "water metabolism theory" in traditional Chinese medicine by observing the changes of aquaporin-1 in the lung, spleen and kidney.

METHODSRat models of Kidney Yang Deficiency induced by gavage with 2% adenine suspension for 4 weeks were treated with cistanches decoction for 6 weeks. Urinary 17-hydroxy cortisol, urine creatinine, urine osmolality value content, and aquaporin-1 mRNA and protein expressions in the lung, spleen and kidney tissues were detected after the treatment.

RESULTSTreatment with adenine induced Kidney Yang Deficiency in rats by causing a reduction in urinary 17-hydroxy cortisol, urine creatinine and urine osmolality. Aquaporin-1 mRNA expression in the spleen and kidney were down-regulated after adenine treatment. Compared with the rat models, intervention with cistanche significantly increased aquaporin-1 mRNA expression in the lung and kidney tissues. Adenine resulted in increased aquaporin-1 protein expression in the lung, spleen and kidney of the rats, while cistanche intervention lowered its expression in lung and kidney tissues.

CONCLUSIONThe lung, spleen, kidneys are involved in water metabolism, and aquaporin-1 is one of its molecular basis. Cistanche can increase aquaporin-1 expressions, which is also regulated by other factors.