RESUMO
Objective: To evaluate the effect of Houpu Sanwu Tang on the postoperative ileus (POI), and observe its underlying mechanisms of action on interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) regulation of POI. Method: Totally 87 healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, saline control group and Houpu Sanwu Tang group at low, medium and high doses. Houpu Sanwu Tang low, middle and high dose groups received orally Houpu Sanwu Tang(2.25,4.5,9 g·kg-1); Sham operation group (Sham operation) and saline control group (Saline control) received orally normal saline. Surgical procedure was used to induce the postoperative ileus. Changes in intestinal propulsion rate, intestinal mucosal injury and small intestine expression of c-kit and iNOS among these groups were detected. Result: Intestinal propulsion rate was significantly higher in Houpo Sanwu Tang group than that in Saline control group (PPPPConclusion: Houpu Sanwu Tang can improve the intestinal propulsion rate and the recovery in POI rats. The mechanisms are related to the inhibition of the generation of iNOS, the alleviation of inflammatory response, and increase of the number of ICC, so as to ensure its normal function, and improve the intestinal dynamic disorder.