ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of the ethanol extract of Radix et Rhizoma Gentianae on acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: 48 NIH male mice were randomized into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), dexamethasone acetate group (0.005 g?kg-1), ethanol extract of Radix et Rhizoma Gentianae groups (high-dosage of 10 g?kg-1, medium dosage of 5 g?kg-1 and low dosage of 2.5 g?kg-1). The groups were administered via i.g gtt once a day for five days. ALI model was induced by intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2.5 mg?kg-1) after last treatment. ELISA method was applied to determine the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and cycloxygenase-2(COX-2) at 24 h after modeling. RESULTS: As compared with model group, the content of PGE2 and COX-2 in ethanol extract of Radix et Rhizoma Gentianae groups were decreased significantly (P