Objective: To establish the atherosclerosis models (AS) in rats and observe the change process of AS and Shenlian decoction's pharmacological effect.
Method: Two hundreds and forty rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, positive medicine group, the high-dose, middle dose and low-dose Shenlian decoction groups. Vascular pathological changes were observed by the methods of HE stain. The levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, NO in serum were determined respectively by enzyme colorimetric, clear and nitrate reductase methods. ET, TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum were detected by radioimminoassay.
Result: Compared with the model group, vascular lesion of different doses of Shenlian decoction groups were significantly improved, the TG, NO, TXB2 levels in serum were significantly lower (P < 0.05), while high-dose Shenlian decoction can significantly reduce TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8 levels in serum (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Shenlian decoction can inhibit the formation and development of AS by regulating blood lipids, improving endothelial function and reducing inflammatory factors release.