OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shenqi Recipe on the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (MC) and interstitial fibroblasts (FC) in rats. METHODS: The effect of serum containing prepared drugs from normal and chronic renal failure rats treated by Shenqi Recipe on glomerular mesangial cells and intersititial fibroblasts in vitro was observed by MTT colorimetric assay and serophrmacology. RESULTS: Compared with the blank sample normal rats, serum containing Shenqi Recipe inhibited the proliferation of MC and FC (P<0.001), and the serum containing Shenqi Recipe of CRF rats had significantly inhibited the proliferation of MC and FC compared with the model group(P<0.001). Conclusion Shenqi Recipe can postpone CRF progress by this mechanism.

To investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncturein treating chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) in term of the neuro-endocrine system by observing the regulative effect of EA on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal index (HPA index) and corticotropin releasing hormone mRNA (CRH mRNA) in CFS model rats. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, and electroacupuncture group. Model and electroacupuncture groups were forced to swim in cold water to make CFS model, while rats in electroacupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture treatment at the same time. Electroacupuncture group was given at Baihui(GV 20) and Zusanli(ST 36). Evaluation of the model was processed according to the behavior changes of the rats. Hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal were weighted to calculate HPA index. CRH mRNA in hypothalamic was measured by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQPCR). Results: The model rats had behavior changes,and both physical and mental fatigue was observed. HPA index raised and expression of CRH mRNA in hypothalamus increased in CFS rats. After electroacupuncture treatment, the physical and mental fatigue was improved, and the hypothalamic index and CRH mRNA decreased significantly, while the pituitary and adrenal index only had little decrease. Conclusion: Cold water swim press could mimic the pathogenesis and make similar manifestations in rats with the common clinical symptoms. CFS has close relationship with increase of HPA index and CRH mRNA expression. Electroacupuncture can regulate the function of HPA axis to deal with CFS.

Objective To observe the effects of the compatibility of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in different proportion on hemodynamic and balance of Th1/Th2 cells of Qi deficiency and blood stasis rat model. Methods Qi deficiency and blood stasis rats were caused by restricted diet, forced swimming and norepinephrine subcutaneous injecting, and treated by compatibility of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in different proportion of 5∶1, 3∶1, 1∶1 and 1∶2 for 21 days. The indexes of hemorheology were detected with hemorheological analyser, and the level of IFN-γand IL-4 in serum were tested by ELISA. Results Compared with model group, the compatibility of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in proportion of 1∶1, 3∶1 and 5∶1 groups reduced the low shear blood viscosity. The spleen index of model group decreased, and compatibility of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in 5∶1 proportion group increased spleen index. The level of IL-4 increased and IFN-γ decreased in the serum of model group, the compatibility of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in proportion of 3∶1 group increased the level of IFN-γ. Astragalus angelica 5∶1 group decreased the level of IL-4 and increased the level of IFN-γ. Conclusion The compatibility of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis can improve hemorheology, adjust the balance of Th1/Th2 cells of Qi deficiency and blood stasis rats. The effects were better when Radix Astragali’s dosage greater than that of Radix Angelicae Sinensis, and the group of 5∶1 proportion was the best.

Objective To study anaphylactoid reactions induced by traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMI) of Qingkailing (QKL) and Xuesaitong (XST) with RBL-2H3 cells;To provide some reference for improving the screening system of TCMI induced anaphylactoid reactions.Methods The IC50 induced by QKL and XST injections was determined by MTT assay. RBL-2H3 cells were stimulated with TCMI at different concentrations or with C48/80 or culture medium. Thirty minutes later, the supernatant was collected to determine the release of histamine andβ-hexosaminidase. The cell degranulation rate and the ultrastructure changes were observed. The ICR mice were given single injection of TCMI containing Evans Blue through tail vein. The number of the animal with blue ear, the total number of blue ears and the quantity of Evans Blue of extravasation were determined 30 minutes later.Results The IC50 of both QKL injection and XST injection was 12.5μL/mL. These two injections promoted RBL-2H3 cells to release histamine andβ-hexosaminidase at higher concentrations (P<0.05,P<0.01) in a dose dependent manner. Cell morphology showed a decrease of villous on the cell surface and an increase of the internal vacuolated structure. Both injections caused the blue ears of all animal with a rate of 100%. The quantity of Evans Blue of the extravasation was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results in vitro study were in close agreement with that in vivo.Conclusion Both QKL injection and XST injection may potentially cause anaphylactoid reactions. The RBL-2H3 cell model may be valuable to evaluate the anaphylactoid reactions induced by TCMI.

AIM: To investigate the effect of Gengnianle Granule on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian(HPO) axis in climacteric rats.METHODS: 12-15 months SD female rats were randomized into climacteric group and young control group was selected additionally.After being administrated for thirty days,the level of E_2、P、Te、FSH、LH in serum were examined by the radio-immunity method,the expression of GnRH in hypothalame,the expression of ER in hypothalame and pituitary appendage were examined by the immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Compared with climacteric group,Gengnianle Granule could increase the level of E_2、P in serum(P

Objective: In this paper the pharmacodynamical mechanism of Heat Asthma Formula(HAF)(Herba Ephedrae, Rhizoma pinelliae, Flos Lonicerae, etc) in the treatment of bronchial asthma was discussed. Methods: By means of the radio labelled aglycone, applying phlogistic medium TXB2, ? receptor on bronchus and cyclic nucleotide (cAMP/cGMP) in lung tissue used as observed targets. Results: The results showed HAF could inhibit the release of phlogistic medium TXB2, improve the conjugate rate of ? receptor, adjust the proportion between cAMP and cGMP. Conclusion: The treatment on bronchial asthma of “Heat Asthma Formula” was perhaps concerned with above mentioned contents.

Objective To investigate the effects of Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction on expressions of MD-2, NF-κB protein and its mRNA in lung of the rats with acute lung injury caused by LPS. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group and Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction large-, medium-, small-dose group, each group had eight rats. The ALI rat model was established by LPS tail-intravenous injection (6 mg/kg). The rats in Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction groups were pretreated by Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction (15.12, 7.56, 3.78 g/kg) for 3 days before LPS induced ALI. The rats in dexamethasone group were pretreated by dexamethasone (5 mg/kg). MD-2, NF-κB protein and its mRNA were measured by immunohistochemistry and PCR. The histopathology of the lung injury was observed by light microscope. Results Compared with normal group, the expression of MD-2, NF-κB protein and its mRNA were obviously increased in model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the expression of MD-2, NF-κB protein and its mRNA were obviously decreased in Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction groups and dexamethasone group (P<0.01), and there was no obvious difference between Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction groups and dexamethasone group. Light microscope observation indicates that there were large areas of pulmonary hemorrhage and necrosis in model group. While in Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction group and dexamethasone group, the pathological manifestations were much more ameliorated than those of the model group. The lung bronchiale inflammation appeared occasionally, and the edema was lightly. Conclusion Xuanfeitongfufang Decoction can lessen the injury of lung tissue and has protective effects on rats with ALI, the mechanism is possibly related to the inhibition of the expressions of MD-2 and NF-κB protein and its mRNA in injured lung tissues.

Objective To investigate the effect of sodium houttuyfonate on the expression of PI3K and AKT1 and mTOR mRNA in the lung of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),and reveal the possible mechanism of the COPD treated with sodium houttuyfonate. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model control group,dexamethasone group and sodium houttuyfonate group(n=6 for each). The rat models of COPD were established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide and smudging. The expressions of PI3K and AKT1 and mTOR mRNA were determined by real-time PCR. The morphological changes of the lung tissue was examined by histopathology. Results Compared with the normal control group,the expressions of PI3K and AKT1 were significantly in-creased and mTOR mRNA was significantly decreased in the model group(P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared with the mod-el group,the expressions of PI3K and AKT1 were significantly decreased and mTOR mRNA was significantly increased in the sodium houttuyfonate group and dexamethasone group(P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared with the dexamethasone group, the expression of mTOR mRNA was significantly increased in the sodium houttuyfonate group(P<0.05). The pathological observation indicated that there were local pulmonary consolidation and a extensive neutrophil infiltration in the alveolar cav-ity. Prominent pulmonary interstitial fibrous hyperplasia was observed in the model group. The pathological manifestations were much ameliorated than those of the model group,and only mild interstitial pneumonia and a slight fibrous hyperplasia were seen in the sodium houttuyfonate and the dexamethasone groups. Conclusions Sodium houttuyfonate reduces the in-jury of lung tissue and has protective effect on COPD rats. The mechanism is probably related to the down-regulatation of expression of PI3K and AKT1 mRNA and up-regulatation of expression of mTOR mRNA in COPD rats.

OBJECTIVETo observe the changes of the blood and urine mercury (Hg) levels and liver & kidney functions of rabbits after administration of Jiuyi Dan (calcined gypsum-Sheng Dan 9: 1) for 1 month and the recovery of rabbits after the drug withdrawal.

METHODThe rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: the calcined gypsum group and the Jiuyi Dan group. After 36 mg of calcined gypsum and 40 mg of Jiuyi Dan were used on the surface of wound (5 cm x 5 cm) on one side of rabbit back for 4 h, the surfaces of wound were washed by saline. The bloods were taken from the rabbit hearts before and after the drug administration for 14 and 28 days, and after the drug withdrawal for 7, 40, 71, and 92 days for determining Hg level in blood, and liver & kidney function indicators (ALT, AST, CREAT and BUN). The Hg level in urine collected from bladders was examined while rabbits were dissected after the drug withdrawal for 1, 40, 71, and 92 days.

RESULTThe Hg level in blood was significantly increased (P < 0.01) after the rabbits were administrated with drugs for 14 and 28 days and after the drug treatment was stopped for 7 and 40 days. The Hg level in urine was significantly enhanced after the drug withdrawal for 1, 40, 71 days. However, the liver & kidney indicators were not influenced.

CONCLUSIONThe Hg level in rabbit blood and urine was significantly increased after the consecutive administration of double-dose Jiuyi Dan for 1 month. However, the blood Hg level and urine Hg level recover after the drug withdrawal for 71 days and 3 months, respectively. The liver & kidney indicators do not significantly change with the dose.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Creatinine ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Female ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Mercury ; blood ; metabolism ; urine ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Skin ; drug effects ; injuries ; Time Factors