Effect of kansul root on cyclooxygenase-2 expression of pancreatic tissues in severe acute pancreatitis rats

Objective To explore the effect and significance of kansui root on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression of pancreatic tissues in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into sham group (S group),SAP group and kansui root treatment group (K group) (40 in each group).SAP model was induced in S group and SAP group.Kansui root (200 mg/kg every day) was perfused into stomach immediately after establishment of SAP model in SAP group.The expres- sion of COX-2 mBNA and protein in pancreatic tissue,plasma thromboxame-B2 (TXB2),6-Keto- posta- glandin-F1α(6-Keto-PGF1α) levels were determined,and microscopic and election microscopic examina- tion in each group was done at 2,6,12,24 h after operation.Results The expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein,TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1αlevels and the ratio of TXB2/PGF1αin SAP group at each time point were significantly higher than those in S group (P0.01).The expression of COX-2 mRNA in K group at 6 and 12 h was significantly lower than that in SAP group (P0.05).The expression of COX-2 protein,the TXB2 levels and the ratio of TXB2/PGF1αin K group at 6,12 and 24 h were significantly low- er than those in SAP group (P0.01).The ratio of TXB2/PGF1αwas significantly correlated to COX-2 protein expression in pancreatie tissue (r=0.851,P0.01).The pathologic injury in K group was milder than that in SAP group and thrombosis in microvessels was decreased.Conclusion There was high ex- pression of COX-2 in SAP rats.Kansui root may reduce the expression of COX-2 to decrease inflammatory response and correct the imbalance between TXA2 and PGI2 to improve microcirculation of pancreas.