Evaluation of Qijudihuang decoction for treatment of rats of chemical-induced photoreceptor cells apoptosis

Objective To compare the curative effect of several dosages of Qijudihuang decoction for N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced apoptosis of photoreceptor cells.Methods Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups:the control group,the model group and 6 times,3 times,1 time,1/3 time of the Qijudihuang decoction groups.The photoreceptor cells apoptosis was marked with TUNEL.The thickness of outer nuclear layer was measured by HE coloration.Results Compared with the model control group,the 3 times and 1 time of Qijudihuang decoction could remarkably reduce the apoptotic indexes and sustain the thickness of outer nuclear layer(P0.01),whereas the 6 times and 1/3 time of Qijudihuang decoction had no significant difference(P0.05).Conclusion The 3 times and 1 time of Qijudihuang decoction could restrain MNU-induced apoptosis of photoreceptor cells.