ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of Angelica Sinensis Radix on the expression of aquaporin 8 (AQP8) and the levels of AC-cAMP-PKA in colon of blood-deficiency constipation in mice; To identify mechanism of Angelica Sinensis Radix for loosening the bowels to relieve constipation. Methods Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive medicine group, and Angelica Sinensis Radix high-, medium-, and low-dose groups, with ten mice in each group. Diphenoxylate, acetylphenlyhydrazine and cyclophosphamide were used to establish blood-deficiency constipation mice models. From the 14thday of the experiment, Angelica Sinensis Radix high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were given 16.7, 8.8, and 4.2 g/kg Angelica Sinensis Radix Decoction for gavage. Positive medicine group was given 5.0 g/kg Changtongshu Granules Liquid for gavage. Control group and model group were given equal volume of saline for gavage. The symptoms of blood deficiency constipation were observed and defecation time. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of AQP8 protein and mRNA in colon, and the expression of AC-cAMP-PKA in colon was detected by ELISA. Results The mice in the model group developed blood deficiency constipation syndrome; the defecation time was significantly prolonged (P＜0.01); the expression level of colonic AQP8 protein and mRNA, AC, cAMP and PKA significantly increased (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Compared with model group, the defecation time was significantly shortened in Angelica Sinensis Radix high-, medium-, and low-dose groups; the expression of AQP8 protein and mRNA and the levels of AC, cAMP and PKA were significantly decreased (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Conclusion The treatment of Angelica Sinensis Radix for blood-deficiency constipation may be related to adjusting the AC-cAMP-PKA signaling pathways and reducing the expression of AQP8 protein and mRNA.