Effect of angelica A_3 active fraction on anti-inflammation and cyclooxygenase-2 expression of isolated rat uterus / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the inhibitory effects of angelica A_3 active fraction (A_3) inflammation and up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression of rat uterus induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Methods The anti-inflammatory effects of A_3 were investigated in rats using the carrageenin-induced paw swelling model and in mice using dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema model; RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to analyze Cox-2 mRNA and the protein expression levels. Results A_3 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice and paw swelling in rats by ig administration. LPS 1 ?g/mL could significantly increase the level of Cox-2 mRNA and protein expression. A_3(10—320 mg/L) could concentration-dependently inhibit Cox-2 mRNA and protein over-expression stimulated by LPS. Conclusion A_3 possesses better anti-inflammatory effects than angelica oil, which maybe relates to its inhibitory effects on Cox-2 overexpression.