RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of Yangrong runchangshu mixture on tyrosine kinase receptor protein CD117 (c-Kit),substance P(SP)and myenteric nerve plexus vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in the colon interstitial cell of Cajal of rat with slow transit constipation(STC). METHODS:Morphine hydrochloride(2.5 mg/kg)was given sc once daily for 45 consecu-tive days to establish STC rat models. 120 rats were randomized into a normal control (isometric normal saline) group,a model (isometric normal saline)group,Maren pill(positive control,14.7 g/kg)group and Yangrong runchangshu mixture high-dose and low-dose [15 and 7.5 g(medicinal materials)/kg] groups. After successful establishment of the models,drugs were given ig once dai-ly for 10 consecutive days. Immunohistochemical method was employed for staining. The changes in the structure and c-Kit,SP and VIP expressions in rats’colonic tissues were observed under the light microscope. RESULTS:Compared to the normal control group,those in the model group demonstrated weaker expressions of c-Kit and SP and less positive cells in colon,stronger expres-sion of VIP and more positive cells,with statistical significances (P<0.01);cellular morphology became abnormal obviously. Compared to the model group,those in Maren pill group and Yangrong runchangshu mixture high-dose and low-dose groups showed stronger expressions of c-Kit,SP and more positive cells in colon,weaker expressions of VIP and less positive cells with statistical significances (P<0.05);cellular morphology was improved to some extent. CONCLUSIONS:Yangrong runchangshu mixture can improve the contents of SP and VIP and the expression of c-Kit in rats with STC to some extent.