TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE TONGXINLUO PROTECTS MICROVASCULAR FROM ARTERIOLE SPASM INDUCED BY NOREPINEPHRINE IN RATS MESENTERY

Abstract

Background: Arteriole spasm (AS) served as a common pathogenesis of many diseases. Tongxinluo (TXL), a traditional Chinese
 formula, has been proved to benefit patients with diseases associated with AS. However, the effect of TXL on AS has not been
 elucidated, especially on the hemorheology of microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess the protective function of TXL
 against AS on microcirculation in rats’ mesentery.
 Materials and Methods: Arteriole spasm model was established by local administration of norepinephrine in rats’ mesentery. Rats
 were randomized divided into five groups: sham group (local administration of normal saline), arteriole spasm group, TXL0.4+AS
 group, TXL0.8+AS group, TXL1.6+AS group. Drugs were administered orally daily for 7 days before modeling. Microcirculation
 was observed using an upright microscope and recorded to study the hemorheology changes, including spasm time, diameter
 changes, and arteriole blood flow. Mast cell degranulation was identified by vital staining with topical application of 0.1% toluidine
 blue. The serum samples were collected for detect of NO and ET-1.
 Results: Pre-administration of TXL markedly decreased arteriole spasm time, and indicated a dose-dependent effect.
 Pre-administration of TXL also indicates dose-dependent effect to maintain arteriole diameter in the presence of AS. Pretreatment
 with TXL significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation induced by AS, TXL also exert great beneficial protection on arteriole
 blood flow against AS. The serum level of NO and ET-1 had no obvious changes among each groups.
 Conclusion: AS caused microvascular dysfunction in rats’ mesentery. TXL had a beneficial effect against AS in the perspective of
 protecting microvascular function, indicated that TXL fight against AS through regulation on microcirculation.