Effect of ligustrazine on expression of transcription factor GATA-3 in asthmatic rats

Objective To observe the effect of ligustrazine on the expression of the transcription factor GATA-3 in asthmatic rats.Methods Seventy-two SD rats (SPF) were randomly divided into six groups:normal control group(group A),asthmatic model group(group B),low-dose ligustrazine group (group C,20 mg/kg),medial-dose ligustrazine group(group D,40 mg/kg),high-dose ligustrazine group (group E,80 mg/kg) and dexamethasone group(group F),12 rats per group.The asthmatic model of SD rats was established by immunization with intraperitoneally injected and inhaled ovalbumin (OVA).The effect of the asthmatic model was evaluated by using animal respirator.Expressions of GATA-3 were measured with the way of half-ration of immunohistoehemiistry in the lungs of SD rats.Results In contrast with the expiratory airway resistance (Re) of each group after challenged by acetylcholine,the results showed the modeling method was success;Expressions of GATA-3 in group B were higher than in group A (P0.01);the difference was also significant when group C or group D or group E or group F was in contrast with group A (P0.01).In contrast with group B,expressions of GATA-3 in group C were lower (P0.01);the difference was also significant when group D or group E or group F was in contrast with group B (P0.01);the analysis of correlation indicated that the increasing of ligustrazine concentration was correlated negatively with expressions of GATA-3;there was no significant difference between group E and group F.Conclusions The high expressions of GATA-3 exist in bronchial asthmatic rats.Ligustrazine can reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and inhibit the expression of GATA-3.So ligustrazine can correct Th1/Th2 imbalance in asthmatic rats and cure asthma.