ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Qihuang decoction on enteric nervous system after gastrectomy in rats. METHODS: The morphology, distribution and number of intestinal neurons in enteric nervous system (ENS) were observed by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of intestinal neurotransmitters and corresponding receptors in ENS. RESULTS: The morphology and distribution of enteric neurons in ENS were changed after gastrectomy, and these neurons in Qihuang decoction group were similar with that of sham operation group. The number of ACh and SP positive neurons, mRNA and protein expression of excitatory neurotransmitters (AChE, SP) and receptors (M3R, NK1R) were decreased after gastrectomy. And the intervention of Qihuang decoction could increase the number of ACh and SP positive neurons and promote the expression of their mRNA and protein. For vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the number of neurons and mRNA and protein expression of inhibitory neurotransmitters (VIP and NOS) and receptors (VIP2R) were increased after gastrectomy. And these rising indexes fall back after the intervention of Qihuang decoction. Besides, the intestinal propulsion rate in QH group was significantly increased than that in SEN and IEN group. CONCLUSIONS: These experimental results showed that after gastrectomy, early intervention with Qihuang decoction in small intestine will contribute to the postoperative recovery of enteric nervous system and intestinal propulsion rate, and consequently enhance gastrointestinal motility.