Protective effects of plant of rehmannia root extract on mitochondrial respiratory function of heart, brain and kidney in hypoxia rat / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Object To observe the protective effects of rehmannia root extract (Reh) on mitochondrial respiratory function in hypoxia rat. Methods Rat was killed rapidly and the body was put at room temperatare for global ischemia of 15 min. Treatment of po Reh 2 and 4 g/kg was started 2 h before hypoxia. The mitochondrial respiratory parameter of myocardium, brain and kidney was measured by oxygen electrode method. The protective effect of Reh on mitochondrion was observed in 2h po. Bepridil (Bep), an Ca 2+ channel blocker, ip 5 mg/kg 30 min prior to hypoxia served as positive control. Results In myocardium and kidney, hypoxia injury was showed similar, ST 3 and RCI value was increased as compared with the control group in a dose dependent manner, showing a selective stronger protection on renal mitochondrial than that on heart and brain. Conclusion Reh is effective in protecting metochondrial respiratory function in heart, brain and kidney from hypoxia and with the most potent effect on kidney.