Effects of Triptolide on the Dynamic Alteration of Endothelin-1 in Plasma and Lung of Asthmatic Model in Guinea-pigs

Objective: To investigate the effects of Triptolide(TP) on the dynamic alteration of endothelin-1(ET-1) in plasma and lung of asthmatic model in guinea-pigs. Methods: Seventy-eight male guinea-pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (C), asthmatic guinea-pig group (A) and asthmatic guinea-pig group intervened (T) with TP. Asthmatic model was prepared in both later groups, ET-1 in plasma and lung of asthmatic guinea-pigs was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results:① ET-1 in lung tissues of all A subgroups except 0 h and 2, 4 and 8 h T subgroups was higher than that of C group. The peak was at 4 h in both groups. ② There was no difference between each subgroup and C group of the plasma ET-1, except 8h asthmatic guinea-pig subgroup that was significantly higher than all the other subgroups and C group.③ Eosinophils in lungs of 4, 12 and 24 h's A subgroups was significantly higher than that of the same time subgroups of T group. ④ And ET-1 in lungs was positively correlated with Eos in lung tissue ( r = 0. 834, P0. 001). Conclusion: ET-1 in lung tissue is elevated in asthma, and it is positively correlated with Eos in lungs. TP may inhibit the synthesis of ET-1 and infiltration of inflammatory cells.