ABSTRACT
Aim To observe the influences of ginsenoside Rg1 on the spontaneous contraction of small intestine smooth muscle of rabbits in vitro and explore the mechanism.Methods With the isothermal perfusion of small intestine in vitro,the influences of ginsenoside Rg1 on the spontaneous contraction of small intestine was observed and the mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 was studied.Results Ginsenoside Rg1 reduced the amplitude of contraction of small intestine smooth muscle in rabbits in a dose-depended manner.Bay K8644 and nitro-L-arginine methylester(L-NAME)could completely block the inhibition of ginsenoside Rg1 on the contraction of small intestine smooth muscle.Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibited the intracellular calcium-depended contraction induced by rynodine in the Ca2+ free Tyrode's solution.Conclusions Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits the contraction of small intestine smooth muscle of rabbits in vitro.The mechanism may be related to increase NO concentration in small intestine smooth muscle so that it inhibits extracellular Ca2+ inflowing via cell membrane and intracellular Ca2+ releasing via sarcoplasmic reticulum.