Effect of kansui root on pancreatic microcirculation of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

[Objective] To study the effect of kansui root on pancreatic microcirculation of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)rats,and offer the theoretical base for its clinical use in treating SAP.[Methods] SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:Sham group(S group),SAP group and Kansui root therapy group(K group).40 rats in each group.The tissue samples of each group were got at 2,6,12,24 hour after the operation respectively for following tests:thromboxame-B2(TXB2)and 6-Keto-postaglandin-F1α(6-Keto PGF1α)levels,expressions of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)protein in pancreatic tissue,microscopy and election microscopy of pancreas,mortality within 72 hours after operation.[Results] TXB2 6-Keto-PGF1α levels and the ratios of TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1α,expressions of COX-2 protein in SAP group at each time point were significantly higher than those in S geoup(P 0.01);the TXB2 levels and the ratio of TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1α,expression of COX-2 protein in K group at 6,12,24 hour were significantly lower than those in SAP group(P 0.01).Expression of COX-2 protein:positive expressions were rare in S geoup,but expression in SAP group was significant.Expression in K group at 6,12,24 hour were significantly lower than those in SAP group(P 0.01).The ratio of TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1α was significantly correlated to COX-2 protein expression in pancreatic tissue(P 0.01).The pathologic injury in K group was milder than that in SAP group and thrombosis in microvessels were decreased.72 hour mortality in S group(0%)and K group(12.5%)were significantly lower than that in SAP group(62.5%)(P 0.05).[Conclusion] Kansui root may reduce the expression of COX-2 and correct the imbalance between TXA2 and PGI2 to improve microcirculation of pancreas.It is one of the mechanisms of kansui root in treating SAP.