RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between precancerous lesions of gastric antrum and substance P (SP) , vasoactive intestinal peptide ( VIP) , calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and the therapeutic mechanism of Zu' ai Weitai Granule (ZWG) , a TCM preparation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma was induced by the combined method of N-methyl N' -nitrosoguani-dine (MNNG) and mechanical injury on gastric mucosa. The pathologic morphological changes of gastric mucosa were observed after prophylactic and therapeutic administration of ZWG. In the meantime,the changes in SP, VIP and CGRP contents were determined by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The contents of SP and CGRP in gastric antrum were obviously improved in the ZWG group when compared with those in the control group (P <0. 05). There was no significant difference in VIP content between the two groups (P >0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ZWG could improve SP, VIP, and CGRP contents in rats' gastric antrum either as prophylactic administration or therapeutic administration.</p>