| Objective To observe the effects of Zhitongling gelatum on lumbar root pain in rats and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods 60 rats were randomizd into 4 groups: control group, model group, Zhitongling group and Votalin group. The models of fifth lumbar root pain produced by transplantation of autologous nucleus pulposus in rats were created. 3 days after operation, all rats in each group were applied isotonic saline 1ml, isotonic saline 1ml, Zhitongling gelatum 1g and Votalin Emulgel 1g twice a day on the bilateralis of waist. The course of treatment was 4 weeks.On the 31st day after operation, the posterior limb's retracting threshold for mechanical stimulation were determined. The sensory nerve and motor nerve conduction velocity of coccygeal nerve were measured. The histopathological change of transplanted nucleus pulposus and L5 nerve root was observed by light microscope and electron microscope.The expression of iNOS protein in transplanted nucleus pulposus and L5 nerve root was detected by EnVision immunohistochemical staining. The expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 protein and mRNA in transplanted nucleus pulposus were detected by EnVision immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR. Results Zhitongling gelatum decreased the posterior limb's retracting thresholds for mechanical stimulation, elevated the nerves conduction velocity, relieved the degeneration of transplanted nucleus pulposus and nervous lesion in nerve root. Further more, it downregulated the expression of iNOS protein in transplanted nucleus pulposus and nerve root, downregulated the expression of MMP-3 protein and mRNA and up-regulated the expression of TIMP-1 protein and mRNA in transplanted nucleus pulposus, improved MMP-3/TIMP-1 ratios disequilibrium. Conclusions Zhitongling gelatum can relieve lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and nerve root pain through inhibiting the synthesis of NO and improving MMP-3/TIMP-1 disequilibrium probably.
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