Effect of Kangxin Capsule on Stability of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Rabbits / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of Kangxin Capsule on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits. Methods Forty purebred male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model group, atorvastatin group, Kangxin Capsule high and low dose groups, and normal control group, 8 rabbit for each group, and were given corresponding administration. Atherosclerosis model was made by intimal injury and high cholesterol diet except for normal control group. After 6 W, aortic vascular pathomorphology were observed, and immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of MMP-2 and VCAM-1 in atherosclerotic plaques. Results Compared with model group, the ratio of the thickness of wall to the area of lumina (W/L), average optical density, and the percentage of positive area of Kangxin Capsule groups were less, also, the expression of MMP-2 and VCAM-1 were reduced. The differences were significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01), especially in the high-dose group. Conclusion Kangxin Capsule can reduce the expression of MMP-2 and VCAM-1, which is the possible mechanism of stabilizing the atherosclerotic plaque.