OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Jingjielianqiao Decoction in promoting leg ulcer in rabbits.

METHODSNine adult male New Zealand albino rabbits with chronic leg ulcers were randomized into 3 groups, namely group A treated with Jingjielianqiao Decoction, group B with Shengjiyuhong Decoction, and group C with normal saline. Gross observation of the wounds was carried out regularly for evaluating the changes in the ulcerous area, depth and wound surface excretion. After 3 weeks of treatment, the tissues on the edge of the ulcer were sampled and prepared for routine pathological examination, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34. The number of blood vessels and their areas were also recorded.

RESULTSThe wounds showed no significant differences between the 3 groups by gross observation during the treatment, but after completion of the 3-week treatment, routine pathological examination and electron microscopy revealed significant differences between the groups. Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and CD34 yielded comparable results between groups A and B (positive control), but showed significant differences between group C and the other two groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONJingjielianqiao Decoction and Shengjiyuhong Decoction can obviously promote the healing of leg ulcer in rabbits.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leg Ulcer ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Phytotherapy ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Skin ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis ; Wound Healing ; drug effects