Abstract:

Objective       To explore the effects of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection (AMI) on allograft survival, changes of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and cortisol in recipient mice. Methods       AMI and CTX (Cyclophosphamide, CTX) were  administered into the murine skin allotransplantation model. Allograft survival was observed daily. The amount of GR of recipient′s spleen cells was assayed by Radioligand Binding Assay and the level of serum cortisol was detected by radioimmunoassay. Results      The amount of spleen GR and serum cortisol transiently increased in the early stage of transplantation and then decreased, in which the lower points appeared at the top period of the rejection (day 14). AMI or CTX administration alone or combined in vivo obviously prolonged graft survival. AMI alone or combined with CTX up-regulated the amount of GR and serum cortisol on day 14 post transplantation (P<0.05). AMI combined with CTX could more significantly increase the amount of GR than CTX alone (P<0.05). Conclusion      Administration of AMI alone  or combined with CTX in vivo can significantly prolong allograft survival which may be attributed to the up-regulation of GR and serum cortisol and promotion of the endogenous glucocorticoid function.

Key words: Astragalus membranaceus Injection; Glucocorticoid receptor; Cortisol; Allograft; Mice； Inbred