ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Colquhounia root tablet on IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA expression in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) of rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The allergic encephalomyelitis model was established in Wistar rats by immunization with myelin basic protein of spinal cord of guinea pig and complete Freund's adjuvant. The rats in treatment group received Colquhounia root tablet (300 mg*kg(-1), BID). The symptom of EAE was observed; pathological feature and myelin of brain and spinal cord were detected with HE stain and Loyez's stain, respectively. The expressions of IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA were assayed by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No EAE symptoms were developed in treatment group, the expressions of IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA were 0.345 ± 0.032 and 0.353 ± 0.023, which were significantly lower than those of model group (P<0.01). The histopathologic examinations revealed that less inflammation cells around vessels and demyelination in white matter of brain and spinal cords were observed in treatment group than in model group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Colquhounia root tablets are effective in treatment of EAE of rats, which may be associated with inhibition of the expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA.</p>