ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the effects of Xinzhi Bimin Capsule (XBC) on the contents of interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 in serum and the expression of eotaxin, CCR3, and signal transducers and activators of transcription-6 (STAT6) in nasal mucosa of rat models with allergic rhinitis, and to identify the mechanism of pharmacodynamic action. Methods: The allergic rhinitis rat model was established using ovalbumin, and forty rats were randomly divided into four groups, model, normal control, XBC (1.8 g/kg), and Biyankang Tablet (1.8 g/kg, positive control) groups. The rats were administered once daily for 10 d. The contents of IL-5 and IL-6 were detected by ELISA, and the expression of positive cell of eotaxin, CCR3, and STAT6 in nasal mucosa was detected in semi quantity by in situ hybridization (ISH) method. Results: The expression of STAT6 in nasal mucosa and the levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in blood serum were markedly lower in XBC group than those in the model and positive control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: XBC could reduce the expression of eotaxin, CCR3, and STAT6 in nasal mucosa of rats and down-regulate the contents of IL-5 and IL-13 in serum, so as to decrease the eosinophil infiltration and to treat allergic rhinitis in rats.