Abstract:

To investigate the inhibition of Radix Astragali′s to expressions of αSMA and FN in the lung tissues of mice with asthma. MethodsThe BALB/C mice were divided into three groups: the control group(Group A, n=20), the asthmatic model group(Group B,　n=20), and the Radix Astragali managed group (Group C, n=20). A mouse model of asthma was established by exposing the animal to aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA). The managed group was given Radix Astragali before every stimulation. After being sensitized, the mice  were subjected to laboratory tests. Expressions of FN mRNA and αSMA mRNA of the lung tissues were determined by RTPCR and AlphaImager2200 semiquantitation analysis system. Masculine expressions of FN and αSMA were determined by twostep immunohistochemistry and leica QWIN V3 analysis system.  Result①Compared with those in group A, expressions of αSMA and FN in group B were significantly increased (P＜0.01). Compared with group B, those in group C were significantly　 decreased (P＜0.01).　②Compared with those in group A, expression levels of αSMA mRNA and FN mRNA in group B had a great increase (P＜0.01).　There was a significant decrease of αSMA mRNA and FN mRNA levels in group C compared with group B(P＜0.01).　ConclusionFN and αSMA are important symbols of airway remodeling. Radix Astragali can inhibit expressions  of αSMA and FN in the lung tissues of mice with chronic asthma, and may inhibit airway remodeling in asthma.

Key words: Asthma; Astragalus membranaceus; Muscle, smooth; Connexins; Airway remodeling; Mice, inbred BALB C