.
Effect of Zhixiao Pingchuan Prescription on Airway Inflammation in Guinea Pigs with Asthma
To explore the effect of Zhixiao Pingchuan Prescription (ZPP, mainly composed of Rhizoma
Pinelliae, Pericarpium
Trichosanthis, Bulbus Allii Macrostemi, Radir Paeoniae Alba, Radix Bupleuri, Radix Astragali,
etc. ) on airway inflammation in guinea pigs with asthma. Fifty ras were randomized into five groups: A
(normal control), B (modal group), C (dexamethasone positive control), D (small-dose ZPP) and E (large-dose
ZPP). Guinea pig models of asthma were induced with egg albumin.Pathological changes in bronchi and lung were
observed; blood cell counting in whole blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were done, HIV helper cell count
(CD_4~+ ) and HIV suppressor cell count (CD_8~+ ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were examined by
immunohistochemical assay. < Results> Pathological study showed that a larg amount of inflammatory cells (eosinophils
and lymphocytes in the majority) infiltrated the airway in Group B. The amount of inflammatory cells in whole blood and
BALF was larger in Group B (P <0.01 ) and lower in Group C and Group E (P <0.05 or P <0.01 ) than that in
Group A (P <0.01). The content of CD_4~+ was increased in Group B (P <0.05 as compared with Group A) and was
decreased in Group E and Group C (P <0.05 as compared with Group B). < Conclusion>ZPP can regulate the immune
function by reducing the number of inflammatory cells in airway and in peripheral blood, decreasing CD_4~+ content and
correspondingly increasing the CD_8~+ content, which may be the anti-inflammation mechanism of ZPP.
Published: January 01, 2004
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