ABSTRACT
Objective:To compare the regulatory effect of EF and two Kidney-tonifying recipes as well as Spleen-invigorating recipe on expression of T lymphocytes apoptosis related genes in Corticosterone-treated rats.Methods:To quantify and compare the T lymphocytes apoptosis percentage and the expression the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes related to T cell apoptosis in every experimental groups using TUNEL method and flow cytometry assay, as well as the fluorescence real time PCR technology.Results:The percentage of T cell apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis related genes were significantly regulated by EF and two Kidney-tonifying recipes, while the Spleen-invigorating recipe had no significant effect with respect to these parameters.Conclusion:EF can be used to represent the effect of Kidney-tonifying recipes in antagonizing the inhibiting effect of exo-corticosterone with respect to T lymphocytes.