OBJECTIVETo study the effects and possible mechanisms of TCM treatment for purging fire, removing toxic substance, relieving stagnation and eliminating phlegm on cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODSAdult SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the operated group, the model group, the Naoqing Decoction (NQD) low- and high-dose groups, and the Qingkailing Injection (QKL) group. ICH model was induced by injecting collagenase into right caudate nucleus, level of [Ca2+]i was determined by fluorescent tracing assay, and the expression of ICAM-1 was determined using immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTSHigh- and low-dose of NQD and QKL could significantly antagonize the collagenase injection induced increase of [Ca2+]i (P < 0.01), inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 and shorten its sustainable time.

CONCLUSIONNQD plays a role in protecting neuron by inhibiting calcium overload, regulating cytokines network, and inhibiting inflammatory reaction through postponing the release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators.

Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley