Effects And Mechanisms Of Xiaobanxia-Fuling Decoction On Cisplatin-induced Pica In Rats

Objective:To observe the preventative and therapic effects of Xiaobanxia-Fuling Decoction (XBFD) on cisplatin-induced pica in rats, and to explore the mechanisms. Methods:Male Spragye-Dawley rats were housed individually and divided randomly into 7 groups:control, model, XBFD(30g/kg,15g/kg,7.5g/kg), Aprepitant(13mg/kg) and only TCM(XBFD 15g/kg)groups. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin 3mg/kg to induce pica model. The expression of substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1) in medulla oblongata and gastric antrum were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) after injected the cisplatin 72 hours. The mRNA levels of substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1) in medulla oblongata and gastric antrum were quantitated and analysed by real time RT-PCR after injected the cisplatin 72 hours. Results:Before injected the cisplatin, the general status of rats and the consumption of kaolin, food and water had no significance compared with model and control groups. After injected the cisplatin, the general status of rats became depressed and the consumption of kaolin increased while the consumption of food and water decreased. The general status of rats improved and the consumption of kaolin decreased while the consumption of food and water increased in XBFD high, middle, low and Aprepitant groups after injected the cisplatin 24-72 hours compared with model group. After injected the cisplatin 72 hours, the mean optical density (MOD) and the mRNA levels of substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1) in medulla oblongata and gastric antrum significantly increased in all groups, the mean optical density(MOD) and the mRNA levels of substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1) in medulla oblongata and gastric antrum significantly decreased in XBFD high, middle and low groups compared with model group. Conclusion:XBFD may improve cisplatin-induced pica in rats. The mechanisms are through decreasing the synthesize and release of substance P (SP) and the expressions of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1) in gastric antrum and medulla oblongata.