[Mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong pill against atherosclerosis induced by balloon angioplasty in rabbits].

Objective: To study the mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP) against atherosclerosis induced by balloon angioplasty in rabbits.

Methods: Atherosclerosis model was established by the combination of balloon angioplasty-induced endothelial injury and high cholesterol feeding in rabbit. Male New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups randomly: normal control, sham, model, positive control and two doses of DHZCP-treated groups. Rabbits in DHZCP-treated groups were intragastrically administered 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg DHZCP for 60 days respectively,and rabbits in positive control group were given 0.5 g/kg Danshen. MDA, NO levels and SOD activity in serum, and MPO activity in the vascular wall were determined with spectrophotometry. Expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and BCL-2 in the vascular wall were detected by SP immuohistochemical technique.

Results: Compared with the model group, DHZCP significantly reduced serum MDA level and MPO activity in the vascular wall, increased serum NO level and SOD activity,and inhibited PCNA and BCL-2 expressions in the vascular wall.

Conclusion: DHZCP inhibits the formation and development of atherosclerosis through anti-oxidative action, protecting endothelium from injury,inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells.