ABSTRACT
AIM: To observe the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong Pill(Radix et Rhizoma Rhei,Eupolyphaga seu steleophaga,Hirudo,Radix Scutellariae,etc) in the aspect of VSMC proliferation and apoptosis,collagen synthesis in the vessel wall. METHODS: The atherosclerotic model was established by hypercholesterol feeding together with immune-injured endothelium in rabbits.The level of hydroxyproline in vessel wall was determined.Histological changes were examined by electronic microscopes.The proliferation of VSMC was determined by immunohistochemistry and apoptosis of VSMC by TUNEL. RESULTS: Dahuang Zhechong Pill improved the histological changes of vessel wall of rabbit with atherosclerosis and reversed vascular remodelling.The level of hydroxyproline in the vessel wall and the number of proliferation of VSMC decreased,and the number of apoptosis of VSMC increased in Dahuang Zhechong Pill-administered groups compared with the model control group. CONCLUSION: Dahuang Zhechong Pill can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the synthesis of collagen fiber in vessel wall and the proliferation of VSMC as well as inducing the apoptosis of VSMC.