Changes of protein and gene expressions of brain IL-18 in spleen-deficiency rats and intervention of Chinese herbal remedies with actions of replenishing qi and reinforcing the healthy qi

Objective To study the changes of protein and gene expressions of brain IL-18 in spleendeficiency model and the interventional effects of Chinese herbal remedies with actions of replenishing qi and reinforce the healthy qi.Methods All rats(n=40) were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,treatment group 1(T group 1,treated with Sijunzi Decoction) and treatment group 2(T group 2,treated with Yupingfeng Powder,each n=10) .The spleen-deficiency model was established in rats by using the methods of purgation,improper diet and over strain.The indexes of immune organs were detected by applying weighing method.The changes of IL-18 protein and IL-18-mRNA expressions in the ventral nucleus of hypothalamus and CA1 zone of hippocampus and therapeutic effects of Sijunzi Decoction and Yupingfeng Powder were detected by applying immunohistochemistrical assay and in situ hybridization.Results In the model group the indexes of thymus and spleen,and IL-18 protein and IL-18-mRNA expressions all decreased significantly.In T group 1 and T group 2 the indexes of thymus and spleen,and IL-18 protein and IL-18-mRNA expressions all increased significantly.Conclusion Sijunzi Decoction and Yupingfeng Powder,with the actions of replenishing qi and reinforce the healthy qi,can regulate the immunologic function of the body through influencing immune organs and controlling the protein and gene expressions of brain IL-18.