Abstract:

Objective   To explore the effect of Toutongning on the expression of c-fos and c-jun in the migrainous model. Methods   60 Wistar rats, in both genders, were randomly divided into 6 groups: the normal saline(NS)group, the model group, the Flunarizine Hydrochloride group, the high dose of Toutongning group, mid dose group, and low dose group. The nitroglycerin migrainous animal model was constructed with the nitroglycerin (NTG)subcutaneous injection. The expression of c-fos and c-jun was detected with the immunohistochemical method. Results   c-fos and c-jun positive cells in the model group significantly increased compared with the NS group(P<0.01). The expression of c-fos and c-jun in the high-dose Toutongning group and Flunarizine Hydrochloride group decreased compared with the model group(P<0.01). The expression of c-fos and c-jun in the mid-dose Toutongning group decreased compared with the model group(P<0.05). The expression of c-fos in the low-dose Toutongning group decreased, but there was no significant difference between the model group and the low-dose Toutongning group. The c-jun positive cell number in the low-dose Toutongning group decreased, compared with the model group(P<0.05). Conclusion   Toutongning can lower the expression of c-fos and c-jun induced by nitroglycerin, and can inhibit the transmission of nociceptive pain information.

Key words: Analgesics; Migraine; Gene expression; Rats, Wistar